Defence Minister Hails 80% Pay Rise For Troops

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 30 to 80 per cent salary increment for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the gesture as a major boost to troop morale and operational effectiveness.

General Musa, who spoke on behalf of the military establishment and the Ministry of Defence, said the approval reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops who are engaged in safeguarding the nation’s security.

In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister said the new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.

According to the statement, the salary package provides an 80 per cent increase for junior ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant, 50 per cent for middle-tier officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel, and a 30 per cent increase for senior military leadership.

Musa described the development as a “decisive morale booster” that reinforces the administration’s 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,” the minister said.

“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.”

The Defence Minister said the salary adjustment would have a positive impact on troops operating across various security theatres, including those tackling insurgency, banditry, oil theft and kidnapping.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

General Musa urged officers and personnel of the Armed Forces to see the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty, charging them to intensify efforts towards neutralising security threats and protecting civilian lives.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s mandate to modernise the military through improved equipment, enhanced technological capacity and better living conditions for personnel and their families.