President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of efforts to improve troop welfare and strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The new salary package, which will take effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said the salary review was structured to favour lower-ranking personnel, with the highest percentage increases allocated to the most junior officers and soldiers.
Under the new pay structure, 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 receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent pay rise.
The adjustment will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an additional N264 billion.
President Tinubu said the salary review reflects his administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel in combating banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across 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,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and modernising the military through sustained investment in equipment and technology.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also linked the salary increase to his administration’s broader national security agenda, stressing that security remains fundamental to national development.
“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,” he said.
The President urged military personnel to see the pay increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and dedication.
“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.
