Senator Ali Ndume, a member of the National Assembly, has praised President Bola Tinubu for increasing the salaries of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel. In a release issued recently, Ndume hailed the president for walking his talks and fulfilling his pledge to boost the morale of military personnel. The salary increase, which took effect from September 2026, applies to both officers and men of the three services.
Ndume, the former Senate Leader, urged military personnel to redouble their efforts in combating insecurity, including insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry. He emphasized that the present government has shown commitment to curbing insecurity by taking proactive initiatives to procure adequate arms and ammunition and boosting the morale of Armed Forces personnel. Over the last three years, the government has demonstrated its dedication to addressing security challenges.
The salary increase is a significant development, with officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals, and generals, receiving a 30 percent salary increase. Personnel from lieutenant colonel down to warrant officer will get a 50 percent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 percent increase. This new package is expected to raise the annual salary bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.
According to the Presidency, over 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces will benefit from the new salary package. Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the implementation of the new package commenced last month. The increased salaries aim to enhance the welfare and motivation of military personnel, enabling them to effectively tackle security challenges.
Ndume reiterated his appeal for better, coordinated synergy between the infantry and the Air Force in the war against insurgency and banditry. He also highlighted the importance of the Army Aviation and the recent recruitment of more troops, which will complement the efforts of the Air Force. The activation of the Army Aviation will provide additional support in the fight against insecurity.
The senator commended President Tinubu for keeping his words, noting that it is heartwarming to see the president redeem his pledge to increase the salaries of Nigerian Army personnel. Ndume emphasized that making a pronouncement is one thing, but fulfilling it is a different story. He expressed confidence that the president will continue to take necessary steps to boost the morale of military personnel.
The increased salaries and improved welfare of military personnel are expected to have a positive impact on their performance and motivation. With the new package, the government aims to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces in addressing the country's security challenges. The implementation of the new salary package is a significant step towards improving the lives of military personnel and their families.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled his pledge to increase the salaries of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel, with over 250,000 personnel set to benefit.
- The new salary package will raise the annual salary bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.
- Senator Ali Ndume has praised President Tinubu for keeping his words and urged military personnel to redouble their efforts in combating insecurity.
