Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Nigerian Military Personnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a comprehensive salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay rises ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent across different ranks in what the Presidency described as a major welfare package for military personnel. 

The new salary structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit about 250,000 personnel serving in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The review is aimed at improving troop welfare, boosting morale, and strengthening the country’s fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats. 

According to the Presidency, personnel in the lowest ranks will receive the highest percentage increase. Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will enjoy an 80 per cent salary increase, while personnel from Colonel to Warrant Officer will receive a 50 per cent pay rise. Officers above the rank of Colonel—including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent increase. 

The salary adjustment will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to approximately ₦924 billion, reflecting the Federal Government’s increased investment in military welfare. 

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the review recognises the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and confronting security challenges across the country. He noted that improving the welfare of military personnel remains a key priority of the Tinubu administration. 

The salary increase comes at a time when the military continues operations against insurgents in the North-East, armed bandits in the North-West, kidnappers in several parts of the country, and other criminal groups threatening national security.

Security analysts have long argued that improved remuneration and welfare are essential to maintaining morale, enhancing operational effectiveness, and reducing the welfare challenges faced by serving personnel and their families.

The new pay package is one of the most significant salary reviews for Nigeria’s military in recent years and is expected to improve the financial wellbeing of service members across all branches of the Armed Forces.

Military personnel are expected to begin receiving the revised salaries from September 2026, following the implementation of the new salary structure by the relevant government agencies.