Tinubu Approves Historic Salary Increase for Armed Forces

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), the Minister of Defence, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a historic salary increment for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel, which ranges from 30% to 80%. This increment, effective from September 1, 2026, will affect around 250,000 personnel across all military services.

The salary structure includes an 80% increase for junior ranks (Private to Staff Sergeant), a 50% increase for middle-tier officers and non-commissioned officers (Warrant Officer to Colonel), and a 30% increase for senior military leadership. General Musa described this gesture as a morale booster and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to security sector reform.

The annual personnel cost will rise from N660 billion to N924 billion, reflecting the government's prioritization of troop welfare. He urged military personnel to view this enhancement as a renewed call to duty, emphasizing the need to combat national security threats effectively.