Tinubu Approves 30%–80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel
BOLA AHMED TINUBU
BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a move aimed at boosting troop morale and enhancing the welfare of military personnel engaged in the country’s security operations.
The new pay package, which will benefit about 250,000 officers and soldiers across the Army, Navy and Air Force, will take effect from September 1, 2026. The approval was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the salary adjustment is structured to favour junior personnel, with the percentage increase reducing as rank rises. 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 the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.
The salary review will increase the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional expenditure of ₦264 billion annually.
President Tinubu said the decision was in recognition of the sacrifices made daily by military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality threatening national security.
“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 assured members of the Armed Forces that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare while accelerating the modernisation of the military through the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and cutting-edge 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 stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the President stressed that national development could only thrive in a secure environment.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu urged military personnel to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their patriotism, courage and commitment to defending the nation.
“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 latest salary adjustment is expected to improve the welfare of military personnel, strengthen morale within the Armed Forces, and reinforce the Federal Government’s broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s security architecture.
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