The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has commended President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving a sweeping salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister, on behalf of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, thanked the President for what he described as a bold demonstration of leadership and commitment to the welfare of military personnel. He said the approval would significantly boost morale and reinforce the administration’s drive to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
The commendation follows President Tinubu’s announcement on Tuesday approving a new military salary structure that raises the annual personnel budget from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion. The package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the new structure, soldiers in the junior ranks—from Private to Staff Sergeant—will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50 per cent increment, while senior military officers will receive a 30 per cent pay rise. The President described the measure as part of his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare, enhancing operational effectiveness and recognising the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces.
Reacting to the development, General Musa described the presidential directive as a decisive morale booster that reinforces the administration’s security sector reform agenda.
“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. 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 said.
He added that the improved welfare package would resonate across every theatre of operation, from troops confronting insurgency in the North-East to personnel tackling banditry, kidnapping and oil theft across the country. He assured the President and Nigerians that the gesture would be reciprocated with renewed commitment, discipline and heightened operational effectiveness.
The Minister urged officers and soldiers 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 restore peace nationwide. He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising the Armed Forces, strengthening technological capabilities and improving the welfare of military personnel and their families.
