..Tinubu Approves 30% to 80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces*
President Bola Tinubu has approved a major salary increase for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel, with raises ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent across different ranks.
The new pay package, announced in a Statehouse release on Monday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, will take effect from September 1, 2026.
About 250,000 military personnel are expected to benefit.
Under the approved structure, officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase. This covers Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest raise of 80 per cent.
The increase will raise the Federal Government’s annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion — an additional N264 billion yearly.
President Tinubu said the gesture was to appreciate the sacrifices of troops fighting 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.
“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 added that security remains central to national development.
“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.”
The President urged servicemen to see the pay rise as a sign of the government’s gratitude.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The salary review comes amid ongoing operations against insurgents in the North East, bandits in the North West and North Central, and other security threats nationwide.
Military associations have in recent years called for improved welfare and remuneration for troops, citing inflation and the risks of frontline duty.
