Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a significant salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the decision as a historic and timely intervention that underscores the administration’s commitment to national security.
Buratai, who commanded troops in the North-East and other theatres of operation during his tenure as Army Chief, said he understands firsthand the enormous sacrifices military personnel make daily in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.
In a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, the retired Army Chief described the salary review, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, as a well-deserved reward for the dedication, resilience and patriotism of the country’s gallant troops.
He noted that the structured increase of 30 per cent for senior officers, 50 per cent for mid-level officers and 80 per cent for junior personnel demonstrates strategic wisdom and a clear appreciation of the realities of military service.
According to Buratai, by granting the highest increment to junior personnel who constitute the frontline of military operations, President Tinubu has directly recognised those who bear the greatest burden in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats.
He said the gesture would significantly boost the morale of the approximately 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces and reinforce their determination to defend the country with greater commitment.
The former Army Chief also expressed satisfaction with the President’s resolve to modernise the military through the acquisition of cutting-edge technology, describing the move as a critical step towards enhancing the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
He described the increase in the annual military salary bill from ?660 billion to ?924 billion as a bold investment in national security, saying it reflects an administration that understands that no nation can attain greatness without adequate security.
Buratai urged serving military personnel to reciprocate the government’s gesture with renewed dedication to duty, stressing that the improved welfare package should inspire greater professionalism, discipline and patriotism.
While acknowledging that the nation’s enemies remain relentless, he expressed confidence that with the Federal Government’s renewed support, the Armed Forces would remain resolute and undaunted in confronting the country’s security challenges.
The retired Army Chief commended President Tinubu for translating his appreciation of the nation’s military personnel into concrete policy, expressing optimism that the intervention would usher in a new era of enhanced operational effectiveness and greater victories for the Nigerian Armed Forces.