Defence Minister Hails Tinubu Over Historic Military Salary Increase

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving what he described as a historic salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying the move will significantly boost troop morale and strengthen the country's security operations.

In a statement issued by the Minister's Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa expressed appreciation on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the military establishment, describing the President's decision as a demonstration of commitment to the welfare of troops.

The newly approved salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, provides salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent and will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Under the new arrangement, junior personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, while middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will benefit from a 50 per cent increase. Senior military officers will receive a 30 per cent salary adjustment.

General Musa described the development as a major morale booster that reflects the Tinubu administration's commitment to security sector reform and improving the welfare of military personnel.

According to him, the increase in the Armed Forces' annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion underscores the President's resolve to translate promises into tangible support for troops serving across various theatres of operation.

He said the intervention would ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers deployed in the fight against insurgency in the North-East, as well as those combating banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security challenges across the country.

The Defence Minister assured President Tinubu and Nigerians that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with greater dedication, professionalism and improved operational effectiveness in safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity.

He urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty and redouble efforts toward eliminating security threats, protecting civilians and restoring peace nationwide.

General Musa also 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 service personnel and their families.