Armed forces personnel to receive 30 to 80 per cent pay rise from September 1 as the Federal Government raises the military wage bill to ₦924 billion
President Bola Tinubu has approved a 30 to 80 per cent military salary increase for approximately 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new pay structure set to take effect from September 1, 2026, in what the Federal Government described as a major boost to troop welfare amid ongoing security operations across the country.
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The approval was announced on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the salary adjustment was designed to reward military personnel for their sacrifices in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
Under the new structure, the percentage increase will be highest for junior personnel, reflecting the government’s decision to prioritise lower-ranking service members.
According to Onanuga, 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 to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will benefit from the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.
The revised package will increase the Armed Forces’ annual salary bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in government spending on military remuneration.
President Tinubu said the decision reflected his administration’s appreciation of the commitment and sacrifices made by service personnel in protecting 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 reaffirmed that improving troop welfare would remain a central pillar of his administration’s security agenda, alongside continued investment in military capabilities.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he said.
The President also linked the salary increase to his broader national security strategy, arguing that sustainable development depends on a secure environment.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He urged members of the Armed Forces to view the pay rise as recognition of their service to the nation.
“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.”
The announcement comes as Nigerian security forces continue operations against insurgents, bandits and kidnappers across several parts of the country.
Military authorities have repeatedly identified improved welfare, better equipment and enhanced operational capacity as critical to sustaining morale and strengthening the effectiveness of personnel on the front lines.
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The latest salary review represents one of the most significant adjustments to military pay in recent years and forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture through increased investment in both personnel and modern military capabilities.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
