The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a significant salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Dr. Matawalle described the decision as a landmark show of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, morale and operational effectiveness of officers and men who continue to make sacrifices in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He disclosed that the salary review had been a priority since the inception of the administration and that he had personally championed the cause within government circles. The Minister thanked the President for his visionary leadership and steadfast support for the welfare of military personnel.

“It is a clear reflection of your passion for building a motivated, resilient, and highly professional Armed Forces capable of effectively addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” Matawalle stated.

He noted that the approved increases range from 30 to 80 per cent and will benefit about 250,000 personnel. The new pay package takes effect from 1 September 2026.

According to the Minister, officers above the rank of Colonel — including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals — will receive a 30 per cent increase. Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will get a 50 per cent rise, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.

Matawalle said the decision forms part of the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of troops involved in combating banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country. He quoted the President as saying that “the men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.”

The Minister added that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise troop welfare while modernising the Armed Forces through the provision of weapons and technological tools.

He urged servicemen and women to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and sacrifices, expressing confidence that together they would prevail over those intent on undermining the nation.

President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 percent for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President(Information and Strategy), disclosed this on Tuesday, emphasising that about 250,000 personnel are to benefit from the new deal.

According to the statement, under the new arrangement, which becomes effective from September 1, officers above the rank of colonel will enjoy a 30 percent salary increase.

This applies to Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.

Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will have a 50 percent increase, while Private to Staff Sergeant will have an 80 percent increase.

The pay package will increase the yearly salary bill for the country’s armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.

President Tinubu has always praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“ I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation”.

The Federal Ministry of Education has established a full-fledged Safe Schools Department to provide strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school safety programmes nationwide.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this when he appeared before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative.

Alausa said that the new department would provide stronger institutional leadership and coordination for school safety programmes nationwide.

According to him, the department replaces the former Safe Schools Unit and would be responsible for strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school safety initiatives across Nigeria.

He explained that the ministry would coordinate the Safe Schools Initiative through a unified national framework designed to improve implementation, accountability and monitoring across the country’s 774 local government areas.

He disclosed that the ministry is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies to strengthen protection around schools.