President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces, raising the military’s annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion in the biggest upward review of military salaries under his administration.

The new pay structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, grants the highest increases to junior personnel. Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, Warrant Officers to Colonels will get 50 per cent, while Brigadier-Generals to Generals will receive a 30 per cent raise.

Announcing the package on Tuesday, the Presidency said the review was in recognition of the sacrifices military personnel continue to make in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, adding that the administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the Armed Forces with advanced weapons and technology.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the graduated salary structure was deliberately designed to favour lower-ranking personnel, with the military’s annual wage bill increasing by N264 billion.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

He added that his administration would remain committed to improving troop welfare while strengthening the military’s operational capabilities.

“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 stated.

Tinubu urged military personnel to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and a renewed commitment to defeating insecurity across the country.

The pay rise comes barely two weeks after the President approved the restructuring of the Nigerian Army with the creation of four additional divisions to enhance responses to security threats nationwide.

Defence Minister hails decision

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), described the salary review as a major boost to troop welfare and operational effectiveness.

He said the President had once again demonstrated commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, noting that the enhanced remuneration would ease financial pressures on troops deployed in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping operations.

Musa assured the President that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with greater dedication, discipline and improved operational performance.

Retired military chiefs applaud move

Retired senior military officers welcomed the pay rise, describing it as a morale booster that would improve commitment, recruitment and combat effectiveness.

Former Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (retd.), said no amount of money could adequately compensate soldiers for the risks they take in defending the country.

He commended the President for matching earlier promises on troop welfare with concrete action but stressed that salaries should be complemented with modern weapons, logistics and improved living conditions.

Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama also described the increase as long overdue, while calling for further adjustments to address disparities among senior ranks and extend similar welfare improvements to other security agencies.

Similarly, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) said the salary review would boost morale and make military service more attractive to young Nigerians but urged the government to invest more in equipment, accommodation, uniforms and operational logistics.

However, Brig.-Gen. George Emdin (retd.) cautioned that previous welfare initiatives had suffered from poor implementation, insisting that the latest approval would only be meaningful if fully funded and implemented.

Rear Admiral Othiniel Filafa (retd.) also said improved remuneration, combined with stronger political will and better deployment of military equipment, would enhance the Armed Forces’ operational effectiveness.

Serving personnel welcome announcement cautiously

Serving military personnel also welcomed the development but said they would reserve celebration until the new salaries are reflected in their bank accounts.

One officer, who spoke anonymously, described the review as a positive step that could improve recruitment but stressed that implementation remained the real test of the government’s commitment.

Another senior officer disclosed that his monthly salary would rise from ₦362,405.67 to ₦543,608.51 under the new structure, while noting that military pay still compares unfavourably with earnings in some civilian sectors.

Others expressed appreciation to the President but urged the government to complement the salary review with better healthcare, housing, insurance, equipment and improved welfare packages for personnel and their families.

Senators commend President

Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum and Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, praised the salary review, describing it as a timely intervention that would strengthen troop morale and operational effectiveness.

The lawmakers said the Senate would support full implementation of the package while working with the executive to improve military funding, equipment and conditions of service.

The new salary structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, increasing the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill by N264 billion to N924 billion.