Defence Minister Commends President Tinubu for Historic Armed Forces Salary Increment

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, on behalf of the entire military establishment and the Ministry of Defence, has expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving a historic 30 to 80 percent salary increment for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel. The landmark gesture, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, directly impacts approximately 250,000 personnel across all services.

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

The Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, in a statement on August 4, 2026, said the Honourable Minister described the presidential directive as a decisive morale booster that reinforces the administration’s dedicated vision for security sector reform.

General Musa was quoted as saying that President 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 the 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, General Musa added.

General Musa further stated that this subversion of financial hardship for 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, he said.

The Ministry of Defence charges all 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, Leah Katung-Babatunde noted.

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, she added.

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the ministry’s 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, Leah Katung-Babatunde concluded.