In a significant boost to troop welfare and Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against insecurity, President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive salary review for personnel of the Armed Forces, with pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent across all ranks.

The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel and increase the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.

The review gives the highest increase, 80 per cent, to personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant, a move seen as targeting the frontline troops bearing the brunt of counter-insurgency, anti-banditry and internal security operations across the country.

Under the new pay structure, officers from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will receive a 50 per cent salary increase, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.

The approval represents one of the most far-reaching welfare interventions for military personnel in recent years and reinforces the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the conditions of service for members of the Armed Forces.

President Tinubu has repeatedly maintained that the sacrifices of Nigerian troops must be matched with improved welfare, better equipment and sustained investment in the country’s security architecture.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the Armed Forces through improved welfare, acquisition of modern weapons and deployment of advanced technology to enhance operational effectiveness.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the Armed Forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he said.

The President stressed that security remains the foundation for national development, noting that no country could attain greatness without guaranteeing the safety of its citizens.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.

Tinubu urged military personnel to see the salary review as a demonstration of the nation’s gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.

“I urge our servicemen and women to take this gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation for the services they render to our fatherland. Together, we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” the President said.