President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, raising annual military personnel costs by N264 billion as part of efforts to improve troop welfare and strengthen the country's security architecture.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will increase the military's annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion and benefit approximately 250,000 personnel across the Armed Forces.
The pay review provides varying increments based on rank, with junior personnel receiving the largest increase. Soldiers from the rank of private to staff sergeant will enjoy an 80 per cent salary increase, while warrant officers to colonels will receive a 50 per cent rise. Officers from brigadier-general to general will have their salaries increased by 30 per cent.
Announcing the approval on Tuesday, the Presidency said the revised salary package reflects the Federal Government's commitment to rewarding the sacrifices of military personnel engaged in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the salary review was intentionally structured to favour lower-ranking personnel, who will receive the highest percentage increase.
According to the Presidency, the decision underscores President Tinubu's determination to improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces while strengthening the nation's security 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.
Tinubu assured that his administration would continue investing in the welfare of military personnel alongside the acquisition of modern equipment and technology required for effective operations.
"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 stated.
The President stressed that security remains central to his administration's development agenda, saying lasting national progress cannot be achieved without peace and stability.
"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 officers and soldiers to view the salary increase as a token of appreciation for their patriotism and dedication to national service.
"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 President added.
The salary review is regarded as the largest upward adjustment for military personnel since Tinubu assumed office. It also comes weeks after the Federal Government approved the establishment of four additional Nigerian Army divisions to improve operational efficiency and response to security threats nationwide.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), described the approval as a landmark intervention that would significantly improve the welfare and morale of troops.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Defence Minister said the President had again demonstrated strong commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and strengthening national security.
Musa noted that the improved remuneration would ease financial burdens on personnel deployed in various conflict zones, including the North-East, where troops continue to battle insurgents, as well as areas grappling with banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft.
The announcement has been welcomed by retired military officers, who said the salary increase would boost morale, enhance operational efficiency and make military service more attractive. They, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure the new salary structure is implemented without delay and complemented with improved accommodation, healthcare, logistics and modern combat equipment.
Some serving personnel also expressed optimism over the development but said the true test of the government's commitment would be the timely payment of the revised salaries when the package takes effect in September.
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