Senate Committee on Defence

By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST)  — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a substantial salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the move as a major morale booster that will strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Lawan said the new salary structure, which provides increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for military personnel across various ranks, reflects the President’s commitment to improving the welfare of the nation’s armed forces and rewarding their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He described the decision as “a masterstroke of compassionate and strategic leadership,” noting that the welfare of military personnel remains critical to maintaining a motivated and effective fighting force.
According to the former Senate President, the package is equitable and carefully structured, with junior personnel—including Privates, Lance Corporals, Corporals, Sergeants and Staff Sergeants—receiving an 80 per cent salary increase in recognition of the enormous risks they face in combat operations.
He noted that officers from the rank of Warrant Officer to Colonel will benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers up to the rank of General will receive a 30 per cent adjustment, describing the arrangement as a comprehensive recognition of every level of the military command structure.
Lawan observed that the implementation of the new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, will raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion investment in the country’s security sector.
He said the improved remuneration would positively impact the morale of about 250,000 military personnel by providing them with the psychological and financial support needed to confront the country’s complex security challenges.
While applauding the Federal Government’s commitment, the Senate Defence Committee Chairman challenged members of the Armed Forces to reciprocate the gesture through greater dedication, discipline and operational excellence.
“I urge the Nigerian Armed Forces to respond to this gesture with intensified rededication and commitment to operational efficiency,” he said.
Lawan also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the nation’s security agencies, insisting that modern security threats require seamless coordination rather than isolated operations.
He called on the Army, Navy and Air Force to deepen joint operations, intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation, saying the era of inter-service rivalry and operational compartmentalisation must give way to a unified security approach.
“The complex nature of today’s threats demands that we do not just fight as individual services, but as one unified, lethal and professional force,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the enhanced welfare package would serve as a catalyst for a more coordinated offensive against criminal elements and insurgents, leading to the restoration of peace across troubled parts of the country.
Lawan further assured that the Senate Committee on Defence would continue to support the Armed Forces through adequate legislative backing and robust security appropriations to ensure they have the resources required to defeat threats to national security.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for recognising the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel, describing the salary increase as a well-deserved investment in those who risk their lives daily to defend the nation.