The Sentinel Security Advocacy Initiative, under the leadership of its Convener, Mallam Abubakar Yayale Usman, heartily commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the historic approval of a substantial salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, effective 1st September 2026.
We thank President Tinubu for consistently standing by the Armed Forces and, by extension, the entire security architecture of our nation. Under his administration, the welfare of those who put their lives on the line has received unprecedented attention. Beyond improved remuneration, this government has demonstrated tangible commitment through the sustained procurement of critical arms, ammunition, and modern military equipment needed to confront the twin evils of terrorism and banditry. These deliberate investments are already yielding measurable results on the battlefield.
President Tinubu’s unwavering support for the military is not mere rhetoric; it is policy translated into action. The progressive improvement in the operational capacity and morale of our troops is a direct reflection of this leadership.
Equally deserving of special recognition is the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Under his watch, Nigeria has witnessed an encouraging and commendable level of synergy among the various security agencies. At every forum, the NSA has consistently and boldly spoken about the welfare of personnel, particularly those on the frontline, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the administration prioritises their well-being.
We further commend Mallam Ribadu’s tenacity, tactical acumen, and diplomatic skills in advancing bilateral relations with the United States and other Western partners.
His statesmanlike approach and quiet but effective diplomacy have facilitated the acquisition of vital military hardware from the United States and other friendly nations without the usual bureaucratic and political hitches that previously stalled such procurements.
Under the newly approved structure:
• Officers above the rank of Colonel (Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals) will receive a 30 per cent increase;
• Personnel from Colonel down to Warrant Officer will receive a 50 per cent increase;
• Rank-and-file personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will enjoy an 80 per cent increase.
This adjustment will raise the annual salary bill of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, a clear demonstration of the seriousness with which this administration treats the welfare of those defending our territorial integrity.
While we celebrate this milestone, we sound a clear note of caution against complacency. Improved welfare must translate into improved operational performance. We therefore urge the security agencies, particularly the Armed Forces, to seize this moment as a powerful morale booster and redouble their efforts to finally put an end to insurgency and other forms of violent criminality.
Personnel must remain proactive, aggressive, and decisive in repelling and eliminating every threat to our national security.
Furthermore, we call on the relevant authorities to triple the allowances of personnel deployed to the frontlines and to prioritise their overall welfare as a matter of urgency. Those who face the enemy daily deserve nothing less.
The Sentinel Security Advocacy Initiative remains firmly committed to supporting every genuine effort that strengthens our security institutions and protects the Nigerian people.
Signed:
Mallam Abubakar Yayale Usman
Convener
Sentinel Security Advocacy Initiative
