President Bola Tinubu has approved an upward review of salaries and allowances for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, delivering the announcement personally during an interfaith Ramadan fast-breaking event held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday March 7, 2026.
The occasion brought together Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, military personnel and paramilitary leaders
The approvals include an upward review of salaries for personnel of the Armed Forces, improved allowances for members of the Brigade of Guards, procurement of modern equipment and the provision of improved accommodation for troops.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff General Oluwafemi Oluyede at the event, expressed appreciation on behalf of the entire military. “I want to most sincerely thank our indefatigable President for the various approvals for the upward review of salaries of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the allowances of the Brigade of Guards. These approvals will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and I assure you they are well received by all members of the armed forces,” he said.
Speaking directly to the troops, Tinubu acknowledged the enormous personal sacrifices military personnel make in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty. “My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation, knowing fully well that many times you are without your families. Some of you are facing attacks by bandits and terrorists. I commend your courage, sacrifice and professionalism as you put your lives on the line in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens,” he said.
The President struck an optimistic note on both the security and economic fronts. “I am happy to inform you that your sacrifices and that of fellow citizens are not in vain. We are now out of the dark tunnel,” he said, expressing confidence that the sustained operations of security forces had significantly weakened terrorist groups and bandits operating across the country.
The salary increase comes at a particularly significant moment. Nigeria’s military is currently engaged on multiple fronts battling Boko Haram in Borno, banditry in the Northwest and communal violence in the Middle Belt while simultaneously navigating the global security anxieties triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to improving military welfare through continued investments in modern equipment, intelligence gathering and logistics support signals that the administration views troop morale and capacity as central to its security strategy.
The President also extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State following a recent terrorist attack in the state, acknowledging the human cost being paid on the frontlines of Nigeria’s security battle every day.
