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 landmark welfare package reflects the President’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s military.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, the Minister, on behalf of the military establishment, expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for approving the new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026.
According to the ministry, the salary adjustment will benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, with the highest increases targeted at frontline personnel and junior ranks.
Under the approved structure, soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, while personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will enjoy a 50 per cent increment. Senior military officers and leadership cadres will receive a 30 per cent increase.
The Federal Government also increased the annual military personnel budget from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, a move the Minister described as a clear demonstration that the welfare of troops remains a top priority of the Tinubu administration.
General Musa said the approval would significantly improve the morale of officers and men serving in various theatres of operation across the country.
He noted that troops confronting insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, kidnapping, oil theft and other security challenges nationwide would be motivated to intensify efforts in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
According to him, the President has once again demonstrated exceptional leadership and empathy towards members of the Armed Forces who continue to make enormous sacrifices in defence of the nation.
“This decision is a major morale booster that reinforces the administration’s commitment to security sector reform. President Tinubu has matched words with action by placing the welfare of our troops at the centre of his national security agenda,” the Minister stated.
He assured Nigerians that the military would reciprocate the government’s gesture with renewed commitment, professionalism and increased operational effectiveness in tackling insecurity across the country.
The Ministry of Defence also urged officers and soldiers to regard the improved welfare package as a renewed call to greater service, discipline and patriotism.
The Minister charged personnel to redouble their efforts in neutralising security threats, protecting lives and property and restoring peace in all parts of the country.
He further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s vision of modernising the Armed Forces through improved welfare, enhanced operational capacity, acquisition of modern equipment and deployment of advanced technology to strengthen national security.
General Musa added that the Ministry of Defence would continue to work closely with the Federal Government to improve the living conditions of military personnel and their families while ensuring that the Armed Forces remain adequately equipped to address emerging security challenges.
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