The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), on behalf of the entire military establishment and the Ministry of Defence, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the historic 30 to 80 percent salary increment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria personnel.

The President, in a landmark gesture, approved the increment on Tuesday and it will take effect from September 1, 2026, directly impacting approximately 250,000 personnel across all the services.

The strategic structuring of the package, yielding an 80 percent boost for junior ranks (Private to Staff Sergeant), a 50 percent increase for middle-tier officers and non-commissioned officers (Warrant Officer to Colonel), and a 30 percent increase for senior military leadership, demonstrates an exemplary commitment to prioritising the operational welfare of frontline troops.

The President, while announcing the package via a statement, praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of the country.

“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,” he had said.

Reacting to the salary raise in a statement late Tuesday, the Minister described the presidential directive as “a decisive morale booster that reinforces the administration’s dedicated vision for security sector reform”.

“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. 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 said.

“This subversion 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. On behalf of the entire defence structure, we assure Mr. President and the Nigerian public that this gesture will be met with renewed vigour, uncompromising discipline, and heightened operational effectiveness.”

The Minister charged officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to see this substantial enhancement in their condition of service as a renewed call to duty.

“Troops are urged to redouble their efforts in neutralising all national security threats, safeguarding civilian lives, and restoring total stability across every corner of the country,” he added.

On July 27, 2026, the Minister had hinted that the President would soon announce a pay raise for members of the armed forces at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel at Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

He had assured that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that military personnel are adequately rewarded for the sacrifices they make in safeguarding the nation.

“I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving ₦100,000, and I know that generated both positive and negative reactions,” he said.

“When I was Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers were receiving ₦49,000. About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to ₦100,000, and that was achieved.

“We are, however, making further efforts to increase it again. We know our President is a listening father who understands the sacrifices our troops are making and is committed to ensuring they are well remunerated.

“So, I am confident that very soon Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men.”

Musa reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence, commitment to aligning with President Tinubu’s mandate to continuously modernise equipment, enhance technological capacity, and elevate the standard of living for Nigeria’s military personnel and their families.