The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has on behalf of the entire military establishment and the Ministry of Defence, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for approving a historic 30 to 80 percent salary increment for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel.
This landmark gesture, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, directly impacts approximately 250,000 personnel across all services. The strategic structuring of the package, yielding an 80 percent boost for junior ranks (Private to Staff Sergeant), a 50 percent increase for middle-tier officers and non-commissioned officers (Warrant Officer to Colonel), and a 30 percent increase for senior military leadership demonstrates an exemplary commitment to prioritising the operational welfare of frontline troops.
Reacting to the announcement, the Minister described the presidential directive as a decisive morale booster that reinforces the administration’s dedicated vision for security sector reform, a statement by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence noted.
“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.
“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 Ministry of Defence charged all officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to see this substantial enhancement in their condition of service as a renewed call to duty. Troops are urged to redouble their efforts in neutralising all national security threats, safeguarding civilian lives, and restoring total stability across every corner of the country.
The Minister re-affirmed the ministry’s commitment to aligning with President Tinubu’s mandate to continuously modernise equipment, enhance technological capacity, and elevate the standard of living for Nigeria’s military personnel and their families.
