…annual military wage bill rises to N924bn as Senate hails move to boost anti-terror war
By Danjuma AMODU
President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces in a bid to boost troop morale and strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday that the new salary scale takes effect from September 1, 2026.
Under the new structure, officers above the rank of colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.
Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay rise.
The adjustment will push the annual wage bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an additional federal government investment of N264 billion in troop welfare.
“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.”
— President Bola Tinubu
PRESIDENT LINKS WELFARE TO NATIONAL SECURITY
Tinubu said the welfare package was part of efforts to modernise the armed forces and provide personnel with the tools needed to tackle insecurity.
“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. Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security,” the President said.
He urged servicemen to see the pay rise as “a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland.”
DEFENCE MINISTER HAD HINTED AT RAISE
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), had two weeks ago disclosed plans for another salary review while speaking at a workshop for widows and wives of service personnel in Abuja.
Musa recalled that soldiers’ pay was previously raised from N49,000 to N100,000, and expressed confidence that Tinubu would announce further increases.
He also presented a cheque for N250 million to beneficiaries of the capacity-building programme for military families.
SENATE BACKS TINUBU’S DECISION
The Senate Committee on Defence has hailed the pay rise, describing it as a morale booster that will galvanise troops in the anti-terror war.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said the increase demonstrates the administration’s commitment to personnel risking their lives for the country.
Lawan noted that the structure was equitable, with greater consideration for frontline troops. He added that the committee would ensure adequate budgetary allocations and remove legislative impediments to the fight against insurgency.
“As the resources and support for our military improve, so must the synergy among the various agencies of our security architecture. The Army, Navy and Air Force must seamlessly integrate their operations,” Lawan said.
He urged the Armed Forces to reciprocate the gesture with greater dedication and operational efficiency.
