By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a historic salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the move as a major boost to troop welfare, morale and operational effectiveness.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for approving salary increments ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for military personnel across all ranks.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, is expected to benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
According to the breakdown, junior ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, while middle-level officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will enjoy a 50 per cent increment. Senior officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase.
General Musa described the presidential approval as a landmark intervention that reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening national security.
He noted that the decision would significantly ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers serving in various theatres of operation across the country, including those combating insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, oil theft in the Niger Delta and kidnapping in other parts of the country.
The minister stated that by increasing the annual personnel cost of the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, President Tinubu had demonstrated practical support for troops and shown that their welfare remains a top priority of his administration.
He assured the President and Nigerians that the armed forces would reciprocate the gesture through greater commitment, professionalism and enhanced operational performance in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
General Musa also called on officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to regard the improved remuneration package as a renewed call to duty and an incentive to intensify efforts toward eliminating security threats and protecting lives and property nationwide.
The minister further reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, improving technological capabilities and enhancing the living conditions of service personnel and their families.
Observers say the salary increase is one of the most significant welfare packages approved for military personnel in recent years and is expected to further strengthen morale among troops engaged in ongoing security operations across the country.
