The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 30 to 80 per cent salary increment for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing it as a major boost to troop morale and operational effectiveness.
General Musa, who spoke on behalf of the military establishment, said the approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops engaged in safeguarding national security.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister said the new salary structure takes effect from September 1, 2026, and will benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.
According to the statement, the package provides an 80 per cent increase for junior ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant, 50 per cent for middle-tier officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel, and 30 per cent for senior military leadership.
Musa said the adjustment raises annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion.
“This decisive morale booster reinforces the administration’s commitment to security sector reform,” he said.
He urged officers and soldiers to reciprocate with renewed vigour and discipline in tackling insurgency, banditry, oil theft and kidnapping.
