By Joy Yesufu
President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a move aimed at boosting troops welfare and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The new pay package, which will take effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the salary adjustment is structured to favour lower-ranking personnel, with the highest percentage increases going to the most junior officers and soldiers.
Under the new salary structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, while officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will enjoy a 50 per cent pay rise.
Senior officers above the rank of Colonel—including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
The adjustment will increase the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an additional N264 billion in personnel costs.
President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices 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 said.
He reiterated that troop welfare 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 salary review to his administration’s broader security agenda, 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 stated.
The President urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as an expression of the nation’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,” he added.
The salary review comes amid ongoing military operations against insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups across several parts of the country, where troops have continued to play a central role in restoring peace and security.
