Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Historic Military Salary Increase, Says Welfare Strengthens National Security
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), CFR, former Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, has publicly commended His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his historic approval of salary increases for the nation’s gallant personnel.
General Buratai, who commanded troops in the North East and across the nation, stated that he knows firsthand the immense sacrifices they endure daily. He described the President’s approval—effective 1 September 2026—as a most timely intervention.
The former Chief of Army Staff noted that the structured increase of 30% for senior officers, 50% for mid-level ranks, and 80% for junior ranks demonstrates strategic wisdom. He observed that by granting the highest increment to frontline soldiers, Mr. President has directly acknowledged those who bear the brunt of asymmetric warfare against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He added that this gesture will boost the morale of approximately 250,000 personnel.
General Buratai further expressed encouragement at Mr. President’s concurrent resolve to modernize the armed forces with cutting-edge technology. He described the increase of the annual salary bill from N660 billion to N924 billion as a bold investment in national security, reflecting an administration that truly understands that “no nation can achieve greatness without security.”
The former Army Chief urged his former comrades-in-arms to accept this gesture with gratitude and renewed duty, adding that this increment should catalyze greater professionalism, discipline, and patriotism. He noted that while the enemies of the nation remain relentless, with this governmental support, the Armed Forces remain undaunted.
General Buratai commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for translating his appreciation of the nation’s heroes into tangible policy, and expressed hope that this gesture would usher in a new era of victory for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
