The Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the decision as a timely morale booster for troops battling insecurity across the country.

The lawmakers said the pay increase, which ranges from 30 to 80 per cent depending on rank, would strengthen the fighting spirit of military personnel confronting banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to troop welfare.

Their endorsements followed Tuesday’s announcement by the Presidency that Tinubu had approved a salary increase for about 250,000 armed forces personnel, with the new package taking effect from September 1, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Yar’Adua thanked the President for what he described as a demonstration of appreciation for the sacrifices of officers and soldiers serving in different theatres of operation.

He said, “I heartily thank President Bola Tinubu for approving significant salary increases of between 30% and 80% for our gallant men and women in uniform.

“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.

“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. Increasing the annual personnel wage bill from N660bn to N924bn shows the seriousness of this administration in prioritising the welfare and modernisation of our Armed Forces.”

Yar’Adua, who is also the Senate Committee on Army chairman, also linked the salary increase to the recent expansion of Army divisions, saying both initiatives reflected the government’s determination to strengthen national security.

He said, “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, I also congratulate the Nigerian Army on this landmark gesture, coming on the heels of the recent expansion of Divisions to strengthen operational reach and effectiveness nationwide.

“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, appreciate and stand with you.

“The Senate Committee on Army will continue to work with the Executive to ensure full implementation of this welfare package, improved equipment, and better conditions of service for all ranks.

“Thank you for standing for Nigeria. Together, we shall prevail over every enemy intent on destroying the fabric of our nation.”

Also reacting, Lawan described the salary review as a compassionate and strategic intervention that would significantly improve the morale of military personnel.

“This decisive executive action, which raises the emoluments of our military personnel by between 30 and 80 per cent effective from September 1, is a masterstroke of compassionate and strategic leadership.

“By this singular policy, the Commander-in-Chief has demonstrated that the welfare of the men and women who stand in the line of fire to protect our sovereignty is a top priority of this administration,” he stated.

Lawan said the graduated salary structure recognised the contributions of personnel across all ranks while providing greater incentives for junior officers and soldiers who bear the burden of frontline operations.

He said, “The details of this package are both thorough and fair.”

The former Senate President, however, urged the military to reciprocate the government’s gesture through greater professionalism and stronger collaboration among the armed services.

“I, therefore, urge the Nigerian Armed Forces to respond to this gesture with an intensified rededication and commitment to operational efficiency.

“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.

“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.

“Let this wage increase serve as the catalyst for a final, coordinated onslaught that restores total peace to every troubled corner of our beloved country. The Senate Committee on Defence, on its part, will continue to ensure that appropriations for security remain robust and that no legislative obstacle hinders the total defeat of the enemies of the state,” he added.

The Presidency had earlier announced that the new salary package would benefit approximately 250,000 personnel and take effect from September 1, 2026.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, personnel from the rank of private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, those from colonel to warrant officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of colonel, including generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.

The new remuneration package will raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from N660bn to N924bn, representing an additional N264bn.

Tinubu said the salary increase was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, adding that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and the modernisation of the armed forces.