By Samuel Olusegun Precious
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a salary increase for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with lower-ranking personnel set to receive up to an 80 percent raise in their pay.
The new remuneration package, which takes effect on September 1, 2026, is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across the country.
Under the approved structure, troops in the junior cadres—from Private to Staff Sergeant—will receive an 80 percent salary boost. Middle-tier officers and non-commissioned officers, ranging from Warrant Officers up to the rank of Colonel, will see a 50 percent increase. Senior officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals, and Generals, will receive a 30 percent pay rise.
The wage adjustment will raise the nation’s annual military salary bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Speaking on the initiative, President Tinubu commended the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of the armed forces in their ongoing battle against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across various regions of 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,” President Tinubu stated. “Our administration will continue to prioritize troop welfare and modernize the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national security, the President emphasized that economic progress depends on peace and stability.
“No nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilizing all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he added.
President Tinubu charged the troops to view the salary review as a gesture of national gratitude, expressing confidence that the military and the populace will collectively prevail over those seeking to disrupt the country’s peace and stability.
