President Bola Tinubu has approved a substantial upward review of salaries for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with personnel set to receive pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent under a new remuneration package scheduled to take effect from September 1, 2026.
The salary adjustment, which will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the salary increase is structured to favour lower-ranking personnel, with the highest percentage increments allocated to junior officers and soldiers.
Under the new salary structure, officers from the rank of Brigadier-General to General, including Colonels and officers above that level, will receive a 30 per cent increase in their salaries.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer are to benefit from a 50 per cent salary adjustment, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will enjoy the highest increase of 80 per cent.
The revised pay package is expected to increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in personnel costs.
President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s recognition of the enormous sacrifices being made daily by military personnel in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping 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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel while continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
“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 review to his government’s broader national security agenda, stressing that lasting development cannot be achieved without a secure nation.
“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.
Calling on members of the Armed Forces to remain steadfast in their service to the nation, the President described the salary increase as a demonstration of government’s appreciation for their dedication and patriotism.
“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 President said.
(Ripples)