The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the move as a significant step towards improving troop welfare and strengthening national security.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Defence Minister said the revised salary package will take effect from September 1, 2026, and will benefit about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
According to the statement, the new remuneration package provides an 80 per cent salary increase for junior personnel, a 50 per cent increase for middle-level officers and non-commissioned officers, and a 30 per cent increase for senior military officers.
General Musa said the approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of military personnel while advancing ongoing reforms within the nation’s security sector.
He noted that the increase in the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to provide meaningful support for troops serving across various operational theatres.
The Defence Minister expressed confidence that the improved salaries would boost the morale of personnel engaged in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations across the country.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capabilities and improving the welfare of service personnel and their families.
General Musa said the ministry would continue to pursue policies aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces while ensuring that officers and soldiers are adequately motivated to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
