The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving what he described as a historic salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying the move will significantly boost troop morale and operational effectiveness.
This is according to a Statement issued by Leah Katung-Babatunde, SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence on Tuesday.
The salary adjustment, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, provides increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent and will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
According to the Ministry of Defence, junior personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, while middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will benefit from a 50 per cent increment. Senior military officers will receive a 30 per cent increase.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, General Musa described the presidential approval as a landmark intervention that reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening ongoing security sector reforms.
He said the increase in the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion demonstrates the President’s resolve to support troops confronting the nation’s security challenges.
According to the minister, the improved remuneration will ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers serving in various theatres of operation, including the North-East, where troops are battling insurgency, as well as other parts of the country affected by banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft.
He assured the President and Nigerians that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with greater dedication, professionalism and enhanced operational performance.
“The President has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and concern for the welfare of the brave men and women who daily risk their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Musa said.
The minister also urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to regard the enhanced conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats, protect lives and property, and restore peace across the country.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise military equipment, strengthen technological capabilities and improve the welfare of military personnel and their families.
