The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), has charged personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to view the newly approved salary increase as a renewed call to duty and redouble their efforts towards neutralising national security threats, protecting civilian lives and restoring stability across the country.
Musa gave the charge while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for approving a historic 30 to 80 per cent salary increment for military personnel, describing the decision as a significant boost to troop morale and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to security sector reform.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the salary adjustment, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will directly benefit approximately 250,000 personnel across the three services of the Armed Forces.
The statement noted that the structure of the package prioritises frontline personnel, with junior ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant receiving an 80 per cent increase, middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel receiving a 50 per cent increase, while senior military leadership will receive a 30 per cent adjustment.
Reacting to the approval, General Musa described the presidential directive as a decisive morale booster that reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops and strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
“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,” the Minister said.
He added that the increase in annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion showed the President’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of military personnel.
“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,” Musa stated.
The Minister further expressed confidence that the improved remuneration would have a positive impact across various theatres of operation, from counter-insurgency missions in the North-East to operations against banditry, oil theft and kidnapping across the country.
“This subvention 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,” he said.
He assured the President and Nigerians that the gesture would be reciprocated through renewed commitment, discipline and improved operational effectiveness by personnel of the Armed Forces.
General Musa also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s mandate through continuous modernisation of military equipment, enhancement of technological capabilities and improved living standards for personnel and their families.
Linus Aleke
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