Military Pay Rise Will Strengthen Troops – Defence Minister

Defence Minister Christopher Musa has said the Nigerian government’s salary increase for military personnel will improve troop welfare and strengthen ongoing operations against insecurity.

Musa made the remarks after President Bola Tinubu approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister described the review as a major step towards improving the welfare of troops serving on the frontline.

He said the increase reflected the government’s recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel and would help ease financial pressure on officers and soldiers.

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

Musa said the higher remuneration would also support operations against insurgency in the North-East, as well as banditry, oil theft and kidnapping across the country.

He said the military would respond to the salary review with greater discipline, commitment and operational effectiveness.

“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 stated.

The minister urged personnel to see the improved pay as a renewed call to duty and intensify efforts to protect lives, tackle insecurity and restore stability across the country.

He also reaffirmed the Defence Ministry’s commitment to supporting the modernisation of military equipment, expanding technological capabilities and improving welfare for personnel and their families.

Tinubu announced the salary review on Tuesday, saying it was intended to recognise the sacrifices of military personnel fighting terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The new pay structure takes effect from September 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Under the new structure, personnel 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 officers from brigadier-general to general will receive a 30 per cent increase.

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