The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The salary review, approved by the President, will take effect from September 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the new salary structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will benefit from a 50 per cent increment, while Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals will receive a 30 per cent pay rise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Musa described the approval as a landmark intervention that demonstrates the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
“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,” he said.
According to the minister, the salary review increases the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion and will ease the financial burden on troops deployed across various theatres of operation.
He said the improved remuneration would boost the morale of personnel engaged in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations, urging them to reciprocate the government’s gesture with greater commitment and professionalism.
Musa also recalled that he had earlier hinted at a salary review during a training and financial empowerment programme for widows and wives of military personnel in Abuja, assuring troops that the Federal Government remained committed to rewarding their sacrifices.
Similarly, Matawalle described the pay increase as a landmark achievement and a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, morale and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
He said the salary review had remained a priority since the inception of the Tinubu administration and expressed appreciation to the President for approving the package.
“The salary increase is a clear reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to building a motivated, resilient and highly professional Armed Forces capable of effectively addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” Matawalle said.
The minister said the Federal Government would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel while modernising the Armed Forces through improved equipment, advanced technology and better operational support.
Quoting the President, Matawalle added, “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.”
The two ministers urged officers and soldiers to regard the salary increase as a call to greater service, expressing confidence that the improved welfare package would strengthen the military’s resolve to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
