By Gami Tadanyigbe
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a historic salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the decision as a major boost to troop welfare and national security.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, says the new salary structure, which takes effect on September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
It further explains that the package provides an 80 percent salary increase for junior ranks, a 50 percent increase for middle-level officers and non-commissioned officers, and a 30 percent increase for senior military officers, nothing that the approval demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of service personnel and advancing ongoing security sector reforms.
The increase in the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion reflects the administration’s resolve to support troops through meaningful welfare measures, stressing that the improved remuneration will boost the morale of troops engaged in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations across the country.
General Musa also reaffirms the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to modernising military equipment, enhancing technological capabilities, and improving the overall welfare of military personnel and their families.