The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving what he described as a historic salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying the move will significantly boost troop morale and operational effectiveness.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Under the package, junior ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, while Warrant Officers to Colonels will get a 50 per cent increment. Senior military officers will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Reacting to the development, the Defence Minister described the President’s approval as a major investment in the welfare of troops and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to security sector reforms.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and empathy for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily to preserve the peace and territorial integrity of our nation,” Musa said.
He noted that the increase in annual military personnel costs from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion showed that the government was backing its commitment to troop welfare with concrete action.
“By raising the annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, the President has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount,” he said.
According to the minister, the salary increase will ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers serving in various theatres of operation across the country.
“This subversion of financial hardship for our officers and soldiers will resonate across every theatre of operation—from those confronting insurgency in the North East to troops tackling banditry, oil theft and kidnapping across the country.”
He assured Nigerians that the military would reciprocate the government’s gesture with greater dedication to national security.
“On behalf of the entire defence structure, we assure Mr. President and the Nigerian public that this gesture will be met with renewed vigour, uncompromising discipline and heightened operational effectiveness.”
Musa also urged officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty, charging them to intensify efforts to eliminate security threats, protect civilian lives and restore peace across the country.
The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising the Armed Forces through improved equipment, enhanced technological capacity and better welfare for military personnel and their families.