Written By Shindong Bala; Edited By Godwin Duru
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a historic salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the decision as a major boost to troop welfare and national security.
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, with junior ranks receiving the highest increase of up to 80 per cent, while middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers will receive a 50 per cent increment and senior officers a 30 per cent increase.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Defence Minister expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the entire military establishment for what he described as an unprecedented demonstration of commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
General Musa said the salary review reflects the President’s determination to strengthen the nation’s security architecture by improving the welfare and motivation of military personnel who continue to make sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to him, the increase in the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion demonstrates that the President has matched his commitment to military welfare with concrete action.
The Minister noted that the enhanced remuneration would significantly ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers deployed in various theatres of operation, including those combating insurgency in the North-East, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft across the country.
He assured President Tinubu and Nigerians that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with renewed dedication, heightened operational effectiveness and unwavering discipline in tackling the nation’s security challenges.
General Musa 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 eliminate security threats, protect lives and property and restore lasting peace across the country.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting the President’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capabilities and improving the overall welfare of military personnel and their families.
