President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new pay structure set to take effect from September 1, 2026.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement.
According to the Presidency, the salary adjustment will benefit about 250,000 military personnel. The increases are structured to provide higher percentage gains to lower-ranking personnel.
Under the new arrangement, 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 soldiers from the rank of private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
The revised salary structure will increase the Armed Forces' annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion.
President Tinubu said the decision reflects the government's recognition of the role played by military personnel in addressing insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
"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 also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving troop welfare and strengthening the military through continued investment in equipment and technology.
"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," Tinubu said.
He added that security remains central to his administration's agenda, stressing that military and law enforcement agencies would continue to receive support to tackle security threats and protect lives and property across the country.
Tinubu urged members of the Armed Forces to view the salary increase as an expression of the government's appreciation for their service and commitment to the country.
