President Bola Tinubu has approved a major salary increase for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel, with pay adjustments ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent depending on rank.
The new salary structure, which will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, will take effect from September 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Under the approved arrangement, the highest percentage increase will go to junior officers, while senior officers will receive lower percentage adjustments.
According to the Presidency, 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 get a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary boost.
The adjustment will increase the annual salary cost of the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an additional N264 billion expenditure.
Tinubu said the salary review was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
He said, “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 reaffirmed that the welfare of troops and the modernisation of the armed forces would remain key priorities of his administration.
“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 pay increase to his administration’s wider security strategy, stressing that national development cannot be achieved without a secure environment.
“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 gesture as an appreciation of their service and commitment to the country.
“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,” Tinubu said.
