Opposition parties have expressed differing views over President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with some describing the move as a welcome boost to troop welfare, while others questioned the timing and motivation behind the decision.
The Presidency announced on Tuesday that about 250,000 military personnel would receive salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent from 1 September 2026. The revised package is expected to raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, an increase of ₦264 billion.
Under the new structure, officers above the rank of colonel will receive a 30 per cent pay rise, personnel from colonel to warrant officer will benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent. According to the Presidency, the graduated scale is intended to favour junior personnel who have been at the forefront of counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) welcomed the decision, describing improved investment in the welfare of security personnel as essential to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said national security should remain above partisan politics, adding that the success of the policy would ultimately be measured by its impact on military effectiveness.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also backed the salary increase, dismissing suggestions that its timing should be viewed through a political lens. National Chairman Agbo Major said the welfare of security personnel should not be subjected to political debate, arguing that better remuneration would boost morale and enhance the commitment of troops confronting the country’s security challenges.
However, the Labour Party (LP) and the Obidient Movement questioned the circumstances surrounding the announcement.
Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa described the salary review as a positive step for military personnel but suggested it appeared to be politically motivated. He maintained that regardless of the reasons behind the decision, improved welfare for soldiers serving in conflict areas was long overdue.
Similarly, Obidient Movement Worldwide National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the President’s actions would continue to attract public scrutiny because of concerns about the administration’s political conduct. While supporting better welfare for servicemen and women, he cautioned that such measures should not be influenced by political considerations.
Meanwhile, prominent political figures have applauded the new remuneration package.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu described the salary increase as a timely intervention that reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel. He said members of the Armed Forces continue to make enormous sacrifices in protecting the country against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats, adding that their welfare should remain a national priority.
Kalu also urged military personnel to reciprocate the government’s gesture by maintaining professionalism and respecting the rights of citizens, while reaffirming his support for policies aimed at improving the capacity and operational readiness of the Armed Forces.
The Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency, Abdulrazak Namdas, also praised the decision, saying it would strengthen troop morale and improve national security.
Namdas further welcomed the Federal Government’s approval to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 personnel, describing the measures as strategic investments in the country’s security framework.
According to him, the expansion will enhance military presence across more than 3,000 border communities in 105 local government areas spanning 21 states, many of which currently have limited security coverage.
The salary adjustment and planned military expansion form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve troop welfare and reinforce the operational capacity of the Armed Forces in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
