President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new package set to take effect from Sept. 1.
The approval, announced on Tuesday in Abuja by the Presidency through the President’s Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the services.
According to a statement by the Presidency, 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 the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while those from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase under the new arrangement.
The Presidency said the enhanced salary package would increase the annual salary bill for armed forces personnel from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Speaking on the approval, Tinubu commended members of the armed forces for their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding the nation.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.
He added that his administration would continue to prioritise troops’ welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security,” Tinubu said.
The President also pledged his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the armed forces, saying all hands must be on deck to defeat insecurity.
According to him, “we remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.”
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.
