President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of Nigeria’s armed forces.
The new pay package will benefit about 250,000 personnel and will take effect from September 1, 2026, according to a statement signed on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said the increase follows a graduated structure, with junior personnel getting the highest percentage rise.
Under the new plan, 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 colonel down to warrant officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.
The package will raise the armed forces’ annual salary bill from N660 billion to N924 billion, an increase of N264 billion.
Tinubu said the pay rise recognises the sacrifices troops continue to make in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism 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 also pledged to keep troop welfare and military modernisation among his administration’s priorities.
“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.
He added, “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.
“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.
