President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, marking the biggest military pay review under his administration.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, raises the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion—an additional ₦264 billion.
Under the revised package, junior personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, while Warrant Officers to Colonels will get a 50 per cent raise. Senior officers from Brigadier-General to General will earn 30 per cent more.
Announcing the decision, the Presidency said the salary adjustment was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and strengthening the military through the acquisition of modern weapons and advanced technology.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated,” the President said, adding that no nation could achieve lasting greatness without adequate security.
He urged military personnel to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and called on them to remain committed to protecting the nation.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), described the approval as a major boost to troop welfare and operational effectiveness, saying it reflected the President’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to the Defence Minister, the improved remuneration will ease financial pressure on personnel, boost morale and enhance the military’s capacity to tackle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft.
Retired military officers also welcomed the development, describing it as a significant morale booster that could improve recruitment, retention and operational performance.
Former Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (retd.), said soldiers deserve to be among the highest-paid public servants because of the risks associated with military service. He noted that the salary increase would help cushion the impact of inflation on personnel.
Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama praised the decision but called for further adjustments to address salary disparities among senior officers, while also urging the Federal Government to extend similar welfare improvements to other security agencies.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi said the pay rise would encourage greater commitment among serving personnel and make military service more attractive to young Nigerians. However, he stressed that improved salaries should be complemented with better accommodation, modern weapons, quality uniforms and enhanced logistics.
Some retired officers, including Brig.-Gen. George Emdin, cautioned that previous welfare initiatives had suffered from poor implementation, urging the government to ensure prompt payment under the new structure.
Serving military personnel also welcomed the announcement but said they would reserve celebration until the new salaries are reflected in their bank accounts.
One senior officer disclosed that his monthly salary would increase from ₦362,405.67 to ₦543,608.51 under the new structure, describing the adjustment as encouraging despite concerns over the rising cost of living.
The salary review comes amid sustained calls for improved welfare for military personnel and follows recent reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, including the creation of four additional Army divisions.
Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly applauded the President’s decision, describing it as a timely intervention that would boost troop morale and enhance the Armed Forces’ effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, commended the graduated salary structure, noting that it appropriately prioritises junior personnel who shoulder much of the burden of frontline operations.
They also urged the Armed Forces to reciprocate the government’s gesture with greater professionalism, operational efficiency and stronger collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Comments