President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new pay structure set to take effect from September 1, 2026.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that about 250,000 military personnel would benefit from the adjustment.
According to the statement, the salary increase is based on rank, with junior personnel receiving the highest percentage increment. Officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 per cent salary increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increment.
The statement added that the new salary structure would increase the annual wage bill of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
President Tinubu said the salary review was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in addressing insecurity, including 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.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening the Armed Forces through the provision of modern weapons and technological equipment.
“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 said.
The President also urged members of the Armed Forces to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their service.
“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.