Defence Minister, Musa Hails Tinubu’s Historic 80% Military Salary Increase, Pledges Renewed Commitment to National Security
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a landmark salary increase of between 30 and 80 percent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the move as a major boost to troop welfare and national security.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the military establishment, expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief for the unprecedented intervention, which takes effect from September 1, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the new salary structure will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Under the package, junior ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 percent salary increase, middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50 percent increment, while senior military officers will benefit from a 30 percent increase.
General Musa described the presidential approval as a significant morale booster that underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening the welfare of frontline troops and advancing security sector reforms.
He noted that the increase in the annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion reflects the President’s determination to translate his commitment to the armed forces into concrete action.
The Defence Minister said the improved welfare package would ease financial pressures on military personnel and enhance the fighting spirit of troops deployed across various theatres of operation, including counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry missions, anti-kidnapping operations and efforts to combat crude oil theft.
He assured Nigerians that the armed forces would reciprocate the government’s support with renewed dedication, discipline and greater operational effectiveness in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of citizens.
The Ministry also urged officers and soldiers to regard the enhanced conditions of service as a renewed call to duty and intensify efforts to eliminate security threats across the country.
General Musa reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, improving technological capabilities and enhancing the welfare of military personnel and their families.
(MOD Press)
