General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Minister of Defence, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for authorizing a significant salary hike for the Nigerian Armed Forces. Effective September 1, 2026, this wage adjustment is expected to elevate the spirits of approximately 250,000 service members within the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Under the new guidelines, junior personnel ranging from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay increase. Middle-tier officers and non-commissioned staff up to the rank of Colonel will see a 50 per cent boost, while senior officers are set for a 30 per cent raise. This shift raises the annual personnel budget from N660 billion to N924 billion.
Minister Musa noted that this government initiative highlights a dedication to enhancing national security and troop welfare. He emphasized that the improved compensation is designed to drive greater effectiveness in ongoing operations against banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. In response, the Defence Ministry has called upon all military personnel to demonstrate increased professionalism and renewed focus in their duty to secure the nation.
