The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a landmark salary increment for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the 30 per cent to 80 per cent pay rise as a historic reward for troops sacrificing their lives to defend the nation.

General Musa, in a statement on Wednesday, said the new salary package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, would directly benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force. 

The Defence Minister said the approval demonstrates the federal government’s renewed commitment to improving military welfare, boosting troop morale and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.

He disclosed that the new salary structure would raise the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing additional ₦264 billion investment in the welfare of military personnel.

General Musa said the decision by President Tinubu reflects a deep appreciation of the sacrifices being made by officers and soldiers operating in difficult security environments across the country.

He said the structure of the package was deliberately designed to prioritise frontline personnel, who remain at the centre of on-going military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft.

According to him, the improved welfare package would send a strong message of government appreciation to troops serving in the North-East, North-West, North-Central and other operational theatres.

“This financial commitment is a clear indication that the welfare of our troops remains paramount under President Tinubu’s administration,” the Minister stated.

He assured Nigerians that the military would respond to the gesture with renewed dedication, professionalism and stronger commitment to protecting lives and property.

The Minister urged officers and soldiers to view the salary enhancement as a renewed call to duty, charging them to remain disciplined and continue efforts towards restoring peace and security across the country.

He further reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting the modernisation of the Armed Forces through improved equipment, enhanced technology, better operational platforms and improved living conditions for military personnel and their families.