President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in a major boost to military welfare.
The new pay package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, under the new arrangement, 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 salary adjustment will raise the Federal Government’s annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
The Presidency said the approval reflects President Tinubu’s appreciation of the sacrifices of military personnel confronting banditry, kidnapping and terrorism 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.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to troop welfare and the modernisation of the Armed Forces through the provision of weapons and technological tools needed for military operations.
He said national development cannot be achieved without security, assuring that the government would continue to mobilise military and law enforcement resources to eliminate security threats and protect lives and property.
The President urged military personnel to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their service, expressing confidence that the Armed Forces would ultimately prevail over those threatening Nigeria’s security.