By Zainab Bakare
The Federal Government’s new salary structure for military personnel will raise the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), disclose this while commending President Bola Tinubu for approving salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for military personnel.
The new salary structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, and benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the new package, junior personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
Middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will get a 50 per cent increase, while senior military officers will receive a 30 per cent adjustment.
Musa described the approval as a major morale booster and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and strengthening national security.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Minister says the President had prioritised the welfare of officers and soldiers serving on the frontlines.
He say the salary review showed the government’s determination to back its security commitments with concrete action.
“President Bola Tinubu has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and empathy for the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to defend Nigeria’s peace and territorial integrity.”
Musa says improved remuneration would boost the morale of troops involved in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
He adds that it would also support personnel combating banditry, oil theft, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The Minister assured the President and Nigerians that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with greater commitment, professionalism and improved operational effectiveness.
He urge officers and soldiers to regard the enhanced conditions of service as a renewed call to duty.
Musa call on personnel to intensify efforts to eliminate security threats, protect lives and property, and restore lasting peace across the country.
He also reaffirm the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting the President’s military modernisation agenda through improved equipment, advanced technology and better welfare for personnel and their families.
