The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving a 30 to 80 percent salary increase for military personnel, saying the move will lift troop morale and improve welfare.
In a statement by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa thanked the President for putting the welfare of the armed forces first.
The new salary structure will take effect on September 1, 2026. It will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
However, a statement from the Presidency said personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 percent salary increase. Warrant Officers up to Colonels will get a 50 percent raise, while officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 percent increase.
The Defence Minister said the new salary structure shows President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of frontline troops and driving security sector reforms.
He said: “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 N660 billion to N924 billion, the President has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount.
“This subversion of financial hardship for our officers and soldiers will resonate across every theatre of operation; from those confronting insurgency in the North East to troops tackling banditry, oil theft, and kidnapping across the country.
“On behalf of the entire defence structure, we assure Mr. President and the Nigerian public that this gesture will be met with renewed vigour, uncompromising discipline, and heightened operational effectiveness.”
Musa urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to see the improved conditions of service as a fresh call to duty.
He asked them to step up efforts to defeat security threats, protect civilians and restore peace across the country.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to President Tinubu’s plan to modernise military equipment, strengthen technology and improve the welfare of military personnel and their families.
External Links
Presidency of Nigeria – https://statehouse.gov.ng/
Ministry of Defence Nigeria – https://defence.gov.ng/
Armed Forces of Nigeria – https://afn.gov.ng/
