Defence Minister Says Tinubu’s Military Salary Increase Will Boost Troops’ Morale, Strengthen Operations
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has said that the military salary increase approved by President Bola Tinubu will yield positive results for the troops, including boosting their morale and strengthening military operations.
ThelensNG reports that President Tinubu announced the salary increase on Tuesday, saying that about 250,000 armed forces personnel will benefit from an increment of between 30 and 80 per cent, effective September 1, 2026.
Reacting to the development in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa expressed the military establishment’s gratitude to the President for approving a historic 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for Nigeria’s Armed Forces personnel.
He described the move as a decisive morale booster that reinforces the administration’s commitment to security sector reform.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and empathy for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily to preserve the peace and territorial integrity of our nation. By raising the annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, the President has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount.
“This alleviation of financial hardship for our officers and soldiers will resonate across every theatre of operation; from those confronting insurgency in the North East to troops tackling banditry, oil theft, and kidnapping across the country. On behalf of the entire defence structure, we assure Mr. President and the Nigerian public that this gesture will be met with renewed vigour, uncompromising discipline, and heightened operational effectiveness,” he said.
The Defence Minister urged all officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to see this substantial enhancement in their conditions of service as a renewed call to duty.
Musa charged them to redouble their efforts in neutralising all national security threats, safeguarding civilian lives, and restoring stability across every corner of the country.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to aligning with President Tinubu’s mandate to continuously modernise equipment, enhance technological capacity, and improve the standard of living for Nigeria’s military personnel and their families.
