Northern Senators Praise Tinubu for Military Pay Increase

Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, and Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for the Nigerian Armed Forces. This pay increase, effective from September 1, 2026, ranges from 30% to 80% depending on rank and affects approximately 250,000 military personnel.

The senators described the decision as a timely morale booster for troops engaged in combating insecurity, including banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. Yar’Adua expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, stating that the increase demonstrates appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel.

He noted that the annual personnel wage bill would rise from N660 billion to N924 billion, reflecting the administration's commitment to troop welfare and modernization. Additionally, Yar’Adua linked the salary increase to the recent expansion of Army divisions, emphasizing the government's determination to enhance national security.