President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new pay structure set to take effect from September 1, 2026.
The salary adjustment, announced in a statement on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across different ranks.
According to the statement, 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 an 80 per cent pay rise.
The statement added that the new salary structure will increase the annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in tackling insecurity 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 also pledged to continue investing in the military by improving troop welfare and providing modern weapons and technology needed to strengthen national security.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President stressed that security remains central to national development, noting that his administration would continue deploying military and law enforcement resources to combat banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats.
“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.
He urged members of the armed forces to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their 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,” the President added.
