- Pay rise ranges from 30% to 80% across ranks
- Starts September 1 as military wage bill hits N924bn yearly
By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has approved a major salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay rises ranging from 30 to 80 per cent across different ranks in a move aimed at boosting troop welfare and strengthening national security.
The new salary structure, announced in a State House press statement on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, will take effect from September 1, 2026, and will benefit about 250,000 military personnel.
Under the new arrangement, officers above the rank of colonel—including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals—will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.
The revised pay package will increase the annual wage bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
According to the presidency, the salary review reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security challenges across the country.
President Tinubu said members of the armed forces deserved adequate support and appreciation for their role in safeguarding the nation.
“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 President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare while continuing to modernise the armed forces through the provision of advanced weapons and technological equipment needed to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President urged military personnel to regard the salary increase as an expression of the government’s appreciation for their patriotism and dedication to national service.
“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,” he added.
The salary increase is one of the most significant improvements in military remuneration in recent years and comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen the operational capacity and morale of the nation’s armed forces.
