By Olayemi Esan
ABUJA — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, 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.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister's Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister expressed profound gratitude to the President on behalf of the military establishment and the Ministry of Defence for the landmark welfare package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026.
According to the statement, about 250,000 military personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force will benefit from the new salary structure.
Under the approved arrangement, personnel in the junior ranks, from Private to Staff Sergeant, will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, while Warrant Officers to Colonels will benefit from a 50 per cent increment. Senior military officers will receive a 30 per cent increase.
General Musa described the presidential approval as a decisive morale booster that underscores the Tinubu administration's commitment to security sector reforms and the welfare of personnel serving in various theatres of operation across the country.
He said the increase in the Armed Forces' annual personnel budget from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion reflects the President's resolve to back his commitment to the military with concrete action.
According to the minister, the improved remuneration will ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers and further motivate troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry campaigns in the North-West, anti-kidnapping operations and efforts to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
He assured President Tinubu and Nigerians that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with greater commitment, discipline and enhanced operational performance in defending the nation's territorial integrity.
"The President 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. 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," the minister stated.
The Ministry of Defence also urged officers and personnel of the Armed Forces to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats, protect lives and property, and restore lasting peace across the country.
General Musa further reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting President Tinubu's agenda of modernising the Armed Forces through improved equipment, enhanced technological capabilities and better welfare for military personnel and their families.
