Defence Minister: Military Salary Increase Will Strengthen Morale, Anti-Insurgency Figh
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the Armed Forces, describing the decision as a significant investment in troop welfare and national security.
Musa made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
According to the Defence Minister, the new salary structure reflects the administration’s determination to improve the welfare of military personnel and support those risking their lives to defend the country.
“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 ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, the President has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount,” Musa said.
He noted that the improved remuneration would ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers while strengthening ongoing military operations across the country.
“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.
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“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,” he stated.
Musa urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary review as a renewed call to serve the nation with greater dedication by intensifying efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to modernise the military through improved equipment, enhanced technological capabilities and better welfare packages for personnel and their families.
President Tinubu announced the salary review on Tuesday, saying the increase was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
The new pay structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, and will benefit about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the approved structure, soldiers from the rank of private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
Warrant officers through to colonels will receive a 50 per cent raise, while senior officers from brigadier-general to general will receive a 30 per cent increase.
The review also raises the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.