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• I’ll improve welfare, boost troop morale -Buratai
From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja and Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the move as a strategic investment that will improve troop welfare, boost morale and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate, said the salary increase was a timely demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of troops who continue to defend the nation’s territorial integrity amid rising security challenges.
President Tinubu recently approved a salary review ranging between 30 and 80 per cent for military personnel, with the new structure expected to take effect from September 1, 2026. The adjustment is projected to benefit about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, while increasing the Federal Government’s annual military wage bill from about N660 billion to N924 billion.
Reacting to the development through his official social media platform, Kalu said the decision reflected a clear understanding that the welfare of members of the Armed Forces must remain a national priority.
“The decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a salary increase for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces deserves commendation. It reflects an understanding that the welfare of those who defend our nation should remain a priority,” Kalu said.
The former Abia State governor noted that Nigerian servicemen and women continue to make enormous sacrifices daily in defending the country’s sovereignty, protecting citizens and confronting security threats, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
According to him, improving the welfare of military personnel goes beyond a reward for service, stressing that it represents a strategic step towards building a stronger and more effective security system.
“Every day, our servicemen and women make enormous sacrifices to protect lives, safeguard our territorial integrity and confront the security challenges facing our country. Supporting them with better welfare is not only the right thing to do, but also an investment in a stronger and more effective security system,” he stated.
Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), urged members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to reciprocate the government’s gesture by maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and respect for citizens’ rights.
“As this important gesture is being implemented, I encourage our military and other security agencies to continue to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving Nigerians with courage, professionalism, fairness and respect for human dignity.
“Nothing inspires public confidence more than security personnel who carry out their constitutional responsibilities with dedication and integrity,” he said.
The senator stressed that national security remains the foundation for economic growth, national cohesion and sustainable development, expressing optimism that the improved welfare package would further enhance troop morale and operational effectiveness.
“A secure nation is the foundation of economic growth, national unity and sustainable development. With improved welfare, renewed commitment and the support of all Nigerians, I believe we can continue to make meaningful progress in securing our country,” Kalu added.
He reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare, capacity and operational readiness of Nigeria’s security personnel, while praying for continued peace and stability in the country.
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Similarly, Buratai, who commanded the Nigerian Army during a period of intense military operations against insurgency and other security threats, described the salary adjustment as a timely intervention that recognises the sacrifices of military personnel.
In a separate statement, the retired general said he understood firsthand the challenges faced by troops serving in various theatres of operation across the country.
“I know firsthand the immense sacrifices our troops endure daily in defence of the nation. The President’s approval of the new salary structure is a most timely intervention that recognises their dedication and commitment,” Buratai said.
He said the salary adjustments, which provide a 30 per cent increase for senior officers, 50 per cent for mid-level officers and 80 per cent for junior personnel, demonstrated strategic leadership by placing greater emphasis on those serving on the frontlines.
“The structured increase demonstrates strategic wisdom. By granting the highest increment to frontline soldiers, Mr. President has directly acknowledged those who bear the brunt of asymmetric warfare against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism,” he stated.
Buratai said the review would significantly improve the welfare of about 250,000 military personnel and contribute to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
He also commended the Tinubu administration for investing in military modernisation, including the acquisition of advanced technology and equipment, saying such efforts showed commitment to improving national security.
The former Army Chief described the increase in the Armed Forces’ annual salary bill from N660 billion to N924 billion as “a bold investment in national security.”
“This reflects an administration that truly understands that no nation can achieve greatness without security,” he said.
Buratai urged serving officers and soldiers to respond to the government’s gesture with renewed dedication, discipline and patriotism.
“I urge my former comrades-in-arms to accept this gesture with gratitude and renewed commitment to duty. This increment should catalyse greater professionalism, discipline and patriotism in the Armed Forces,” he added.
He maintained that despite ongoing threats from terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, the Armed Forces remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“While the enemies of our nation remain relentless, with this governmental support, the Armed Forces remain undaunted in their resolve to defend Nigeria,” Buratai said.
He further praised President Tinubu for translating his appreciation of military personnel into a concrete welfare policy, expressing optimism that the salary review would usher in improved operational performance and greater achievements for the Armed Forces.
“President Tinubu has translated his appreciation of the nation’s heroes into tangible policy. I am confident this landmark gesture will usher in a new era of victory, renewed commitment and greater achievements for the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he said.
