The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North), and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In separate statements personally signed on Tuesday in Abuja, the lawmakers described the presidential approval as a timely intervention that would boost the morale of military personnel and strengthen ongoing efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
Senator Lawan said the new salary structure represented a ₦264 billion vote of confidence in the Armed Forces and would serve as a morale booster in the fight against threats to national security.
He noted that the increase in the annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of service personnel.
READ ALSO: President Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Troops’ Salary Increase
“The implementation of this new salary structure, which rightly increases the annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, represents a ₦264 billion vote of confidence in our Armed Forces.”
“This investment will significantly boost the morale of the approximately 250,000 beneficiaries, giving them the psychological and material confidence required to confront the multiplicity of security threats facing our nation,” Senator Lawan stated.
He added that the approval underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of military personnel who risk their lives to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Senator Lawan explained that the package was comprehensive and equitable, with junior combat personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant receiving an 80 per cent salary increase, while personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel would enjoy a 50 per cent increment.
He added that senior officers up to the rank of General would receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
According to the senator, the remuneration package reflects the administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by personnel across all levels of the Armed Forces.
Similarly, Senator Yar’Adua described the salary review, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces.
He noted that the package, which covers about 250,000 personnel across all ranks, comes at a critical time when troops are engaged in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism across the country.
“At a time when our troops are confronting the scourge of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism in different parts of the country, this welfare package will boost morale, restore dignity, and reaffirm that their service does not go unnoticed.”
“Increasing the annual personnel wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion shows the seriousness of this administration in prioritising the welfare and modernisation of our Armed Forces,” Senator Yar’Adua said.
He assured that the Senate Committee on Army would continue to collaborate with the Executive to ensure the effective implementation of the new salary structure, while supporting efforts to improve military equipment and overall conditions of service for personnel across all ranks.
