President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new pay package taking effect from September 1, 2026.
The approval was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Under the new salary structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase. Officers from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of Colonel—including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent increase.
The revised package will increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
The Presidency said the salary review forms part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve troop welfare and boost the morale of military personnel engaged in operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
President Tinubu said members of the Armed Forces, who continue to make significant sacrifices in defence of the nation, deserve greater support and recognition for their service.
“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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the Armed Forces through sustained investments in weapons, equipment and technological capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.
He also said security remains central to Nigeria’s development, pledging continued deployment of military and law enforcement assets to tackle security threats and protect lives and property nationwide.
The President urged military personnel to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their dedication and service to the country.
The latest salary review represents one of the most significant improvements in military remuneration in recent years and underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening troop welfare alongside ongoing investments in the modernisation of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
