Federal Government has described the newly approved salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria as a major step towards improving troop welfare, boosting morale and strengthening the country’s security operations.
The commendation came from the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a new salary structure for military personnel.
Under the new package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, personnel of the Armed Forces will receive salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, depending on rank.
The increment will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. Junior personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50 per cent increase, while senior military officers will benefit from a 30 per cent increase.
The new salary structure also raises the Federal Government’s annual personnel expenditure on the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of Defence described the approval as a landmark intervention that reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to security sector reform and the welfare of military personnel.
> “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,” said General Musa.
He added “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.”
General Musa 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 combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, improving technological capabilities and enhancing the welfare of service personnel and their families.
In a separate reaction posted on his X account, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, also praised President Tinubu for approving what he described as a historic salary review for members of the Armed Forces.
“Today, I must sincerely commend the father of the nation, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for approving the new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
He continued: “This historic intervention reflects His Excellency’s commitment to the welfare, wellbeing, and operational readiness of our brave officers, soldiers, ratings, and airmen who continue to make immense sacrifices in defence of our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
According to Matawalle, prioritising the welfare of military personnel would strengthen professionalism, improve operational readiness and reinforce the Armed Forces’ capacity to safeguard Nigeria.
“By prioritizing the welfare of our troops, the Commander-in-Chief has further strengthened the foundation for a more motivated, disciplined, and combat-ready Armed Forces. This bold decision will undoubtedly enhance morale, reinforce professionalism, and inspire greater dedication to the constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria and protecting the lives and property of our citizens.”
The Minister of State also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, commanders and all military personnel to justify the confidence reposed in them through loyalty, discipline and excellence in service.
“I equally urge the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, commanders at all levels, and all personnel of the Armed Forces to reciprocate this confidence through renewed commitment, loyalty, discipline, and excellence in service to our dear nation.
Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more resilient, and more secure Nigeria.”