New Armed Forces Salary: Senators Say Tinubu Prioritises Troops’ Welfare

The Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North), and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

In separate personally signed statements issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the lawmakers described the President’s decision as a timely morale booster for officers and men of the Armed Forces, saying it would strengthen their commitment in tackling the country’s security challenges.
Senator Lawan said the new salary structure, which raises the annual personnel wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, represents a ₦264 billion vote of confidence in the Armed Forces and would significantly enhance their morale.
“The implementation of this new salary structure, which rightly increases the annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, represents a ₦264 billion vote of confidence in our Armed Forces.
“This investment will significantly boost the morale of the approximately 250,000 beneficiaries, giving them the psychological and material confidence required to confront the multiplicity of security threats facing our nation,” he said.
According to him, the policy demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of the men and women who risk their lives daily to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He noted that the salary package was comprehensive and equitable, explaining that junior personnel—from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant—would benefit from an 80 per cent salary increase in recognition of the demanding nature of their duties.
Lawan further stated that personnel from the rank of Warrant Officer to Colonel would receive a 50 per cent salary increase, while senior officers up to the rank of General would enjoy a 30 per cent adjustment, reflecting the administration’s recognition of every level of military leadership.
Also commending the development, Senator Yar’Adua described the salary review, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, and covers about 250,000 personnel across all ranks, as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s appreciation for the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces.
He said that at a time when troops are battling banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism across different parts of the country, the improved welfare package would boost morale, restore dignity and reassure personnel that their sacrifices are valued.
Yar’Adua added that increasing the annual personnel wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion reflects the administration’s seriousness in prioritising the welfare and modernisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He assured that the Senate Committee on Army would continue to collaborate with the Executive to ensure the full implementation of the new welfare package, improved military equipment and better conditions of service for officers and men of the Armed Forces.