President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in a move aimed at boosting troop welfare and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the approved package, officers from the rank of Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Personnel from Colonel to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 per cent increment, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.
The approval will raise the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
Announcing the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the salary adjustment reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges.
According to the statement, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of troops while continuing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces through the provision of modern weapons and advanced technological capabilities.
“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 security remains the foundation for national development, stressing that his administration would continue to mobilise all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate threats to national peace and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
The President also urged members of the Armed Forces to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and to remain steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty.
“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 said.
The latest salary review is expected to boost morale among military personnel as the Armed Forces sustain operations against insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, oil theft in the Niger Delta and other security threats across the country.
