Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The new package will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the services. This is contained in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the new salary structure will take effect from September 1. Officers above the rank of colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals, and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Personnel from colonel to warrant officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase under the new arrangement. Those from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
The presidency stated that the enhanced package would raise the annual salary bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion. Tinubu commended members of the armed forces for their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding the nation, emphasizing the importance of supporting and appreciating those who help maintain national security.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing troops’ welfare and modernizing the armed forces by providing necessary weapons and technological tools. He highlighted the belief that no nation can achieve greatness without security and pledged to mobilize all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats.
Tinubu has consistently praised the courage and resilience of military personnel in combating banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He urged servicemen to view the salary increase as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication to the nation, expressing confidence in prevailing over threats to national security.