By Anayo Akwitti
Senate leaders have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
They described the ₦264 billion increase in the annual military wage bill as a major boost to troop morale.
The Senate Committee on Defence Chairman, Senator Ahmad Lawan, and his counterpart on the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, gave the commendation in separate statements issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
The new salary structure will raise the military’s annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Lawan described the ₦264 billion increase as a “vote of confidence” in the Armed Forces, saying it would strengthen the fighting spirit of about 250,000 military personnel.
“The implementation of this new salary structure represents a ₦264 billion vote of confidence in our Armed Forces.”
He said the increase would give troops greater confidence to confront the country’s growing security challenges.
Lawan said the package reflected Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel, particularly those serving on the frontlines.
Under the new structure, junior personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
Personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will get a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers up to the rank of General will receive a 30 per cent adjustment.
Lawan described the package as “thorough and fair”, saying it recognises the sacrifices of personnel across the military hierarchy.
Yar’Adua backs salary review
Yar’Adua described the salary review, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, as a timely intervention.
He said the package acknowledges the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of military personnel.
According to him, the new structure will boost the morale of about 250,000 personnel and reassure troops that their service is valued.
“At a time when our troops are confronting banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism across the country, this welfare package will restore dignity, strengthen morale and reaffirm that their service does not go unnoticed.”
Yar’Adua said the increase in the military wage bill also demonstrated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving personnel welfare and modernising the Armed Forces.
He pledged the Senate Committee on Army’s continued collaboration with the Executive to ensure the full implementation of the new salary structure.
He also said the committee would support efforts to improve military equipment and strengthen conditions of service for officers and soldiers nationwide.
