The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the approved package, junior personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, while Warrant Officers to Colonels will enjoy a 50 per cent raise. Senior officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase.
Reacting to the development, Musa described the approval as a major morale booster and a clear demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.
He said the increase, which raises the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, shows that the President is determined to support the men and women risking their lives to protect the country.
“President Tinubu has once again demonstrated strong leadership and concern for the welfare of our troops. By matching his promises with action, he has shown that the well-being of our officers and soldiers remains a priority,” Musa said.
He added that the improved welfare package would motivate troops fighting insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security challenges across the country.
The Defence Minister assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would respond to the President’s gesture with greater dedication, professionalism and improved operational performance.
He also urged military personnel to see the salary increase as a renewed call to duty and to intensify efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
Musa reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to modernising the military through better equipment, advanced technology and improved living conditions for personnel and their families.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) welcomed the salary increase but called for long-term reforms to guarantee sustainable welfare for members of the Armed Forces.
The group described the pay rise as one of the most significant welfare interventions for Nigerian soldiers in decades, noting that military personnel have continued to make huge sacrifices despite years of inadequate remuneration.
HURIWA also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for promoting intelligence-led operations, drone technology, improved aviation capabilities, institutional discipline and merit-based leadership.
However, the organisation warned that the salary increase should not remain a one-time intervention.
According to HURIWA, previous welfare initiatives gradually lost value because they were not backed by strong policies or protected from inflation and economic challenges.
The group urged the Federal Government to institutionalise military welfare through legislation and ensure regular improvements in salaries and working conditions.
It also called for increased investment in modern military hardware, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, satellite intelligence, indigenous defence production and continuous training to strengthen the country’s security forces.
