BY EDMOND ODOK – In a major move to bolster troops’ welfare, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increment of 30 percent to 80 percent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who officially disclosed the landmark policy in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the massive payday now on the horizon is meant to radically upgrade the compensation packages for personnel across board.
Confirming that the sweeping financial package is officially signed, sealed, and delivered, Onanuga said the welfare intervention is engineered to immediately uplift around 250,000 active service members nationwide.
According to the Presidential aide, under the new arrangement, which takes effect from September 1, officers above the rank of colonel will enjoy a 30 per cent salary increase, adding: “This applies to Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.
“Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will have a 50 per cent increase, while Private to Staff Sergeant will have an 80 per cent increase.”
Noting that the new pay package will increase the yearly wage bill of N660 billion to N924 billion, Onanuga said President Tinubu had always praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of the country.
The statement further quoted President Tinubu as saying: “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation. Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.”
Further tying the salary upgrade to his broader philosophy on national security. the President said, “Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation.”
