The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the decision as a major boost to troop welfare and morale.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister said the new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the services.

Under the new package, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, those from Warrant Officer to Colonel will get a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent pay rise.

General Musa said the structure of the salary review demonstrates the President’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of frontline troops.

Describing the approval as a significant morale booster, the minister said it reinforces the Tinubu administration’s commitment to security sector reform.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The Minister urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats, protect civilian lives and restore peace across the country.

He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capacity and improving the welfare of military personnel and their families.

President Tinubu approved the salary increase in recognition of the sacrifices of military personnel in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. The new salary structure, announced on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, raises the annual military wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion. (Channels TV)