Military salary hike will boost anti-insurgency operations — Defence minister

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The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces, describing the move as a major boost to troop welfare and operational effectiveness.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa thanked the President for approving what he described as a historic salary review for military personnel.

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Musa said the graduated structure of the pay increase reflected the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of frontline troops.

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“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.

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“By raising the annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, the President has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount,” he said.

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The minister said the salary review would ease financial hardship for military personnel and strengthen ongoing operations against insecurity.

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“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.

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“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 stated.

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He urged military personnel to regard the enhanced remuneration as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity, protect lives and restore stability across the country.

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The minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the President’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capacity and improving the welfare of personnel and their families.

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Tinubu announced the salary review on Tuesday, saying it was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

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The salary increase, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

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Under the new structure, soldiers from the rank of private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, warrant officers to colonels will get 50 per cent, while senior officers from brigadier-general to general will receive a 30 per cent raise.

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The review will also raise the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

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