The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa Rtd, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a sweeping salary increase for members of the Armed Forces is a strategic investment in military capability which will greatly improve welfare and directly strengthen operational performance across Nigeria’s security theatres.
General Musa Rtd described the presidential approval as one of the most significant welfare interventions for military personnel in recent years. The package raises salaries by between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel and takes effect from 1 September 2026.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, disclosed that General Musa described the approval as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to translating support for military personnel into concrete policy.
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He maintained that improved welfare would enhance morale among troops engaged in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations nationwide while reinforcing the broader security sector reform agenda.
The new structure prioritises frontline personnel, with Private to Staff Sergeant receiving an 80 per cent increase, Warrant Officer to Colonel receiving 50 per cent, while senior officers from Brigadier General to General will receive 30 per cent.
According to the Ministry, the new package raises the Armed Forces’ annual personnel expenditure from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
The Minister further urged officers and soldiers to reciprocate the intervention through renewed professionalism, discipline and operational commitment, stressing that the improved conditions of service should translate into intensified efforts to neutralise security threats and protect Nigerians.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry to complementing the welfare package with continued investment in force modernisation, improved military technology, enhanced operational capabilities and better living conditions for personnel and their families in line with the Federal Government’s defence transformation objectives.
