NewzBy Henry Umoru ABUJA — Former President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the move as a major morale booster for troops. In a statement personally signed on Tuesday, Lawan described the approval as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s security. He said the new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, provides an 80 per cent salary increase for junior personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant, a 50 per cent increase for personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel, and a 30 per cent increase for senior officers from Brigadier-General to General.
According to him, the increase in the annual military wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion represents a N264 billion investment in the welfare of about 250,000 personnel across the Armed Forces. Lawan said the salary review would significantly boost the morale of troops and provide them with the confidence needed to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats confronting the country. He, however, urged members of the Armed Forces to reciprocate the government’s gesture with greater dedication, professionalism and operational efficiency.
The former Senate President also called for stronger synergy among the Army, Navy and Air Force, stressing that effective collaboration and intelligence sharing were essential to defeating the country’s security challenges. “The Army, Navy and Air Force must seamlessly integrate their operations and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. The complex nature of today’s threats demands that we do not just fight as individual services, but as one unified, lethal and professional force,” he said.
Lawan expressed optimism that the improved welfare package would serve as a catalyst for intensified military operations aimed at restoring peace across the country. He also assured that the Senate Committee on Defence would continue to support adequate funding for the Armed Forces and ensure that legislative actions facilitate the military’s efforts to defeat insecurity. The senator thanked President Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of military personnel, saying the ges…
By Kingsley Omonobi The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Matawalle described the decision as “a landmark demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, morale and operational effectiveness of the gallant officers and men who continue to make immense sacrifices in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The minister said the review of military salaries had remained a priority since the inception of the current administration, adding that he personally championed the initiative within government.
He thanked President Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare of military personnel. “It is a clear reflection of your passion for building a motivated, resilient and highly professional Armed Forces capable of effectively addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” he said. According to Matawalle, about 250,000 personnel will benefit from the new salary package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026.
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