Lawmakers from the north praise Tinubu for increasing salaries of armed forces personnel

Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, and Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, have praised President Bola Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the move as a crucial morale booster for troops battling insecurity nationwide.

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The lawmakers noted that the pay increase, ranging from 30 to 80 per cent depending on rank, would bolster the fighting spirit of military personnel confronting various security threats, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to troop welfare.

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Their endorsements came after the Presidency announced on Tuesday that Tinubu had approved a salary increase for approximately 250,000 armed forces personnel, with the new package set to take effect from September 1, 2026.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday, Yar’Adua expressed gratitude to the President for demonstrating appreciation for the sacrifices of officers and soldiers serving in different theatres of operation, describing the move as a clear demonstration of Mr. President’s deep appreciation for the courage and patriotism of those who keep the nation safe.

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Yar’Adua stated that the timely intervention, covering about 250,000 personnel across all ranks, would boost morale, restore dignity, and reaffirm that their service does not go unnoticed, particularly at a time when troops are confronting the scourge of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and terrorism in different parts of the country.

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The increase in the annual personnel wage bill from N660bn to N924bn, representing an additional N264bn, shows the seriousness of the administration in prioritising the welfare and modernisation of the Armed Forces, according to Yar’Adua.

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Yar’Adua, who is also the Senate Committee on Army chairman, linked the salary increase to the recent expansion of Army divisions, saying both initiatives reflect the government’s determination to strengthen national security.

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He congratulated the Nigerian Army on the landmark gesture, which comes on the heels of the recent expansion of Divisions to strengthen operational reach and effectiveness nationwide, and assured officers and soldiers on the frontlines that their sacrifices are not in vain.

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Yar’Adua pledged that the Senate Committee on Army would continue to work with the Executive to ensure full implementation of the welfare package, improved equipment, and better conditions of service for all ranks.

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Senator Ahmad Lawan described the salary review as a compassionate and strategic intervention that would significantly improve the morale of military personnel, raising their emoluments by between 30 and 80 per cent effective from September 1.

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Lawan stated that the Commander-in-Chief has demonstrated that the welfare of the men and women who stand in the line of fire to protect sovereignty is a top priority of the administration through this decisive executive action.

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He noted that the graduated salary structure recognises the contributions of personnel across all ranks while providing greater incentives for junior officers and soldiers who bear the burden of frontline operations, describing the details of the package as thorough and fair.

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Lawan urged the military to reciprocate the government’s gesture through greater professionalism and stronger collaboration among the armed services, calling for an intensified rededication and commitment to operational efficiency.

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He emphasized the need for the Army, Navy, and Air Force to seamlessly integrate their operations and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, stressing that the complex nature of today’s threats demands a unified and professional force.

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Lawan expressed hope that the wage increase would serve as a catalyst for a final, coordinated onslaught that restores total peace to every troubled corner of the country, assuring that the Senate Committee on Defence would continue to ensure that appropriations for security remain robust.

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The Presidency had earlier announced that the new salary package would benefit approximately 250,000 personnel and take effect from September 1, 2026, with personnel from the rank of private to staff sergeant receiving an 80 per cent salary increase.

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According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, those from colonel to warrant officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of colonel, including generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.

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Tinubu said the salary increase was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, adding that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and the modernisation of the armed forces.