Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel

● New Pay Structure takes Effect September 1, to Raise Annual Wage Bill to ₦924bn

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with increases ranging from 30% to 80% across different ranks.

The approval was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The new package will benefit an estimated 250,000 military personnel* nationwide and takes effect from *September 1, 2026.

—Breakdown Of The Salary Increase—

Under the new structure, the pay raise is tiered by rank:

– Brigadier-General to General: 30% increase
– Colonel to Warrant Officer: 50% increase
– Private to Staff Sergeant: 80% increase

The adjustment represents the highest increment for junior ranks, who form the bulk of troops engaged in frontline operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

—Impact On Personnel Cost—

The new salary structure is projected to push the Armed Forces’ annual personnel cost from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion — an increase of ₦264 billion.

—Welfare And Morale At The Core—

President Tinubu said the adjustment reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices to national security.

“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 added that the government would continue to prioritise troop welfare while also strengthening the Armed Forces through the provision of *modern weapons and technological equipment*.

—Security Central To Development Agenda—

According to Tinubu, national security remains central to his administration’s agenda, stressing that “no country can achieve sustainable development without a secure environment.”

He assured Nigerians that the government would continue to mobilise the military and other law enforcement agencies to confront security challenges and protect lives and property.

The President also urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and dedication to the country.

—Context—

The salary review comes amid sustained calls from security stakeholders for improved remuneration and welfare packages for troops battling insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, and other violent crimes across the country.

The pay rise is expected to boost morale and retention within the ranks, even as the government pushes ahead with broader security sector reforms.