President Bola Tinubu is taking aggressive steps to restore order in Nigeria, ordering a significant salary increase for the nation’s armed forces as they face down a wave of Islamist militancy and violent criminal gangs.
The most junior personnel, including privates, will see their pay jump by 80%, a necessary investment to support the troops tasked with dismantling the kidnapping rings and terrorist cells plaguing the country.
This move follows the president’s recent directive to recruit 28,000 additional soldiers and establish four new army divisions, bringing the total to 12. While critics point to the increased annual wage bill—rising from $484 million to $678 million—the administration is prioritizing the survival of the state over fiscal austerity.
As the military confronts threats from Boko Haram, Iswap, and various armed bandits, the message from the president is clear: those who defend the fatherland against enemies of the nation deserve to be supported.
While experts note that further investment in equipment and welfare remains essential, this salary hike serves as a critical down payment on the security and sovereignty of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
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