Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has announced a significant boost to the salaries and welfare of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Social Night in Abuja, Oluyede confirmed that concrete steps are underway to enhance the quality of life for personnel and their families, with the full backing of President Bola Tinubu.
Beyond immediate pay raises, the CDS highlighted new post-service benefits, including affordable housing schemes and soft loans for military spouses.
“If I tell you we are working on something, please be hopeful. Something positive will come up.
“Discussions are ongoing with financial institutions to provide low-interest loans to spouses of service personnel to enable them to establish sustainable businesses,” Oluyede said.
The event was attended by top military officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.
The evening featured performances by renowned music icons and the presentation of awards to deserving personnel for their outstanding service.
Persecondnews reports that Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence is set to receive a massive N3.154 trillion in the 2026 budget, as the government prioritizes national security and military modernization.
This allocation is aimed at sustaining the country’s armed forces and equipping them with advanced technology and infrastructure.
The bulk of the budget, N2.39 trillion, will go towards personnel costs, covering salaries, allowances, and benefits for soldiers across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Capital expenditure is projected at N464.5 billion, funding the purchase of aircraft, ships, weaponry, and modernization of military infrastructure
The Nigerian Army is the biggest beneficiary, receiving N1.5 trillion in total. This includes N1.25 trillion for personnel expenses, N81.9 billion for overheads, and N167.8 billion for capital projects.
The Army will also allocate funds for international training (N10.9 billion) and local training programs (N6.8 billion) to maintain professional standards.
The Nigerian Navy will receive N443.9 billion, focusing on maritime security and defense. Significant allocations include N27.6 billion for defense equipment and N14 billion for fuel to power its sea vessels.
The Nigerian Air Force will get N409.1 billion, comprising N229.9 billion for personnel, N68.6 billion for overheads, and N110.7 billion for capital projects.
Tinubu’s administration is committed to strengthening national security, with a focus on improving military capabilities and personnel welfare.
The budget allocation reflects the government’s urgent response to threats like terrorism and crime, aiming to boost the fighting capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies.
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