No fewer than 250,000 armed forces personnel will benefit after President Bola Tinubu approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the military.
The new arrangement takes effect on September 1, with officers above the rank of colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals, to receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Onanuga noted that personnel from colonel down to warrant officer would receive a 50 per cent salary increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant would receive an 80 per cent increase.
“The pay package will increase the yearly salary bill for the country’s armed forces personnel from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion,” the statement said.
President Tinubu commended the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in some parts of the country.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he stated.
The President affirmed that his administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security, reiterating its commitment to mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
He urged armed forces personnel to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of his administration’s appreciation for the services they render to the nation.
“Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he added.
