80% Pay Raise: Defence Minister Lauds Tinubu Over Armed Forces Salary Increase

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 30 to 80 percent salary increase for military personnel, describing the decision as a major boost to troop morale and welfare.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Gen. Musa expressed profound appreciation to the President for prioritizing the well-being of the armed forces.

Taking effect on September 1, 2026, the upgraded pay structure will benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across all service branches.

According to a Tuesday statement from the Presidency, the pay adjustment provides an 80 percent increase for personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant, a 50 percent raise for Warrant Officers up to Colonels, and a 30 percent boost for senior officers above the rank of Colonel.

The Defence Minister said the structure of the salary review demonstrates the President’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of frontline troops and commitment to commitment to 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,” he 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.”

Musa, therefore, urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats, protect civilian lives and restore peace across the country.

Musa also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capacity and improving the welfare of military personnel and their families.