President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new salary package for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces has sparked mixed reactions from political parties and public figures across Nigeria.
While the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) welcomed the development as a necessary investment in national security, the Labour Party (LP) and the Obidient Movement questioned the timing, suggesting the decision could have political undertones.
The Presidency recently announced that approximately 250,000 military personnel will receive salary increases ranging from 30% to 80%, effective September 1, 2026.
Under the new structure:
- Senior officers above the rank of colonel will receive a 30% increase.
- Personnel from colonel to warrant officer will receive 50%.
- Junior soldiers from private to staff sergeant will benefit from the highest increase of 80%.
The adjustment raises the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the new package was intentionally designed to favour junior personnel, many of whom are actively involved in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, and anti-kidnapping operations.
Reacting to the announcement, SDP National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba said security should not be politicised, stressing that any policy aimed at improving national security and the welfare of military personnel deserves support.
Similarly, NNPP National Chairman Major Agbo described the salary increase as a welcome decision, arguing that better remuneration would motivate security personnel and strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.
However, Obidient Movement National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko expressed reservations, saying the President’s motives would naturally come under public scrutiny because of the administration’s previous actions.
The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, also suggested the move may have political motivations but maintained that improving the welfare of soldiers is long overdue.
“As long as it benefits our servicemen who risk their lives daily to protect Nigerians, it remains a welcome development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu praised the decision, describing it as a timely intervention that demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of troops confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats.
Also commending the move, Border Communities Development Agency Director-General Abdulrazak Namdas said the salary increase, alongside the planned expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, would significantly improve troop morale and strengthen national security, particularly across vulnerable border communities…..See more