Nigeria Approves 80% Military Pay Rise, Defence Minister Urges Intensified Crime Fight

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has charged military personnel to view the newly approved salary increase as a renewed call to duty. He urged them to redouble their efforts in neutralizing national security threats, protecting civilians, and restoring stability across the country.

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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.

President Bola Tinubu approved a historic salary increment for military personnel, ranging from 30 to 80 percent. This adjustment, effective September 1, 2026, will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel. Junior ranks, from Private to Staff Sergeant, will receive an 80 percent increase, while middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will see a 50 percent rise. Senior military leadership will receive a 30 percent adjustment.

General Musa described the presidential directive as a significant boost to troop morale and a demonstration of the administration's commitment to security sector reform. He noted that the annual personnel cost would increase from N660 billion to N924 billion, underscoring the president's prioritization of military welfare. Musa expressed confidence that the improved remuneration would positively impact operations across various theaters, including counter-insurgency missions in the North-East and efforts against banditry, oil theft, and kidnapping nationwide.

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By raising the annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion, the president has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also hailed President Tinubu's approval of the substantial salary increase. Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, advocated for community policing as a crucial strategy for tackling insecurity in the country.

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This subvention 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.