Lawmakers representing the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, acting through the Northern Senators Forum, have praised President Bola Tinubu for authorizing a significant pay raise for Nigerian military personnel. Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, who leads the forum, stated that the increase—ranging from 30% to 80% and taking effect September 1, 2026—will greatly improve the welfare of approximately 250,000 soldiers.
This policy adjustment elevates the annual wage budget from N660 billion to N924 billion. Senator Yar’Adua emphasized that the move acknowledges the bravery of troops currently engaged in countering banditry and insurgency across the nation. He reiterated that the Senate Committee on Army remains dedicated to supporting the executive branch in modernizing the armed forces and securing better service conditions.
Senator Ahmad Lawan, former Senate President and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, also endorsed the move. He described the wage hike as a strategic decision that provides essential support to personnel, from junior ranks receiving an 80% boost to senior officers getting a 30% adjustment. Lawan called on the military to leverage this increased support to enhance collaboration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He argued that moving beyond past rivalries toward a unified, professional operation is necessary to fully neutralize security threats across the country.
