President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay increases ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent, in a move aimed at improving troop welfare and strengthening national security.
The revised salary package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, with junior ranks receiving the largest increases.
The approval was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Under the new pay structure, soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, while personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50 per cent raise.
Senior officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.
The review will raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to improving military welfare.
According to the Presidency, the salary adjustment is intended to reward members of the Armed Forces for their service and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. “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 said.
The President also pledged to continue investing in the Armed Forces by improving welfare, modernising military equipment and providing advanced technology to strengthen operational effectiveness. “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.
Tinubu urged military personnel to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their dedication and service.
The salary review comes less than two weeks after the President approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its formations from eight to 12 divisions and authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.
The expansion is expected to enhance command and control, improve operational response times and strengthen military presence across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
