The former director, Public Relations of the Air force, Air Vice Marshal, (AVM), Olatokunbo Adesanya, Retired, has described President Bola Tinubu’s salary increase for military personnel as a commendable step, stressing that improved pay is only one component of a broader welfare package needed to strengthen the armed forces and enhance national security.
Recall that on August 4, 2026, President Bola Tinubu approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent across different ranks. Effective from September 1, 2026, the review raises the military’s annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion and is aimed at improving troop welfare, boosting morale and enhancing operational efficiency in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Speaking with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, AVM Adesanya highlighted other critical areas requiring attention, including healthcare, education for military personnel’s dependants and post-service housing, stressing that a comprehensive welfare package is essential to improving morale, retaining experienced personnel and strengthening national security.
“Looking after the welfare of personnel is very, very important, but I dare say that the increase in salary is just a component of the welfare package,” he stated.
Continuing, he said: “We must know that the end state is about national security, not to enrich soldiers. Salary is good—it boosts morale, ensures we retain the right personnel rather than losing experienced hands, and helps attract the right kind of people. Of course, it also plays a part in reducing corruption. Beyond this, there has been high inflation over the past years, so this will restore some lost purchasing power.
“While strongly commending the Federal Government of Nigeria—because this is historic and a well-thought-out policy—what I would like added includes:
“Healthcare: When you go to military hospitals, everything should be functional. Globally, military hospitals are renowned for providing top-tier medical care. You shouldn’t go to a military hospital and hear that an MRI or CT scan machine isn’t working.
“Education for Dependents: When I was in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s, many troops under my command were distracted by needing to pay school fees, especially for higher education. Education is extremely important.
“Housing: Not just while in service, but post-service housing. That is a major concern for everyone in service,” he outlined.
Returned A M Adesanya expressed confidence that the salary review marks the beginning of broader reforms, noting that President Tinubu had indicated in his accompanying letter that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise the overall welfare of military personnel.
“I actually think the President is working in that direction. In the letter he wrote to accompany this increase, he stated the Federal Government will continue to prioritize the welfare package, not just salary increase. So, I believe this is just a first step, and more will follow,” he said.
On the implementation of the new salary structure, Adesanya expressed confidence that the Federal Government would deliver on the policy, noting that its September 1 commencement date would eliminate the burden of large arrears. He said the graduated pay increase across different ranks reflected a balanced approach that considered both fiscal sustainability and the need to improve the welfare of military personnel.
“One thing I like about this announcement is that it starts on the 1st of September. When an announcement is retroactive, you end up talking about huge arrears. I strongly believe that a process was ongoing before this announcement was made, which included determining if the Federal Government could sustain it.
“It is a reasonable policy because for those with the rank of Brigadier General and above, it does not reach 30%, which greatly reduces the financial implications of the entire package. It strikes a middle line between potential fiscal constraints and the obvious need to increase salaries. I have no doubt that this will be well implemented,” he maintained.
Calling for increased recruitment into the Armed Forces, Adesanya said Nigeria’s current military strength is insufficient to effectively tackle insurgency and other security threats.
He argued that the country would require more boots on the ground through incremental recruitment, while stressing that the military must also remain prepared to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity against external aggression.
“It is not enough. I actually expect that we are going to have more. In fighting insurgency, you always need boots on the ground—not just members of the Armed Forces, but other security agencies too. We are certainly going to have incremental recruitment to ensure more boots on the ground. Beyond asymmetric warfare, they also have a responsibility toward ensuring the territorial integrity of Nigeria against potential external aggression,” he stressed.
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