Senate leaders have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing it as a morale booster and a clear demonstration of commitment to troops’ welfare.
In separate statements issued on Tuesday, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said the new pay structure effective from September 1, 2026, would strengthen the fighting spirit of about 250,000 military personnel.
Lawan said the executive action was “a masterstroke of compassionate and strategic leadership” and shows that the welfare of troops “who stand in the line of fire to protect our sovereignty is a top priority of this administration.”
“It is with a deep sense of duty and support that I commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, following his landmark approval of a substantial salary increase for the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Lawan stated.
According to him, junior combatants from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will get 50 per cent, while senior officers up to the rank of General will have a 30 per cent adjustment.
He noted that the package raises the annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion investment in the 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,” Lawan said.
He urged the military to reciprocate with greater dedication and synergy among services. “As the resources and support for our military improve, so must the synergy among the various agencies of our security architecture. The old era of inter-service rivalry and operational compartmentalization must give way to an unprecedented level of collaboration,” he said.
“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,” Lawan added.
He assured that the Senate Committee on Defence would continue to ensure robust security appropriations and that “no legislative obstacle hinders the total defeat of the enemies of the state.”
In his own statement, Senator Yar’Adua described the salary increase as “a timely intervention” and a demonstration of the President’s appreciation for the courage and sacrifices of troops battling banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism across the country.
“I heartily thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for approving significant salary increases of between 30% and 80% for our gallant men and women in uniform,” Yar’Adua said.
“This timely intervention, effective from September 1, 2026, and covering about 250,000 personnel across all ranks, is a clear demonstration of Mr. President’s deep appreciation for the courage, patriotism, and sacrifices of those who keep our nation safe,” he stated.
Yar’Adua said the welfare package would boost morale, restore dignity and reaffirm that the service of troops does not go unnoticed. He also linked the pay rise to ongoing military reforms, including the recent expansion of Army Divisions to strengthen operational reach nationwide.
“At a time when our troops are confronting the scourge of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism in different parts of the country, this welfare package will boost morale, restore dignity, and reaffirm that their service does not go unnoticed,” he said.
The Katsina lawmaker paid tribute to officers and soldiers on the frontlines. “To our officers and soldiers on the frontlines: Your sacrifices in the trenches, forests, and communities are not in vain. From the North East to the North West, and other theatres of operation, you continue to pay the supreme price to keep Nigeria united and secure. We see you. We appreciate you. And we stand with you,” he said.
Yar’Adua pledged that the Senate Committee on Army would work with the Executive to ensure full implementation of the welfare package, improved equipment and better conditions of service for all ranks.
“Mr. President, thank you for choosing to stand with our troops. To the Nigerian Army: Thank you for standing for Nigeria. Together, we shall prevail over every enemy intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he concluded.
Both senators thanked the President for “honouring the labour of our fighting forces” and prayed for continued peace and security across the country.
