Salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent have been approved for about 250,000 members of Nigeria’s armed forces, as President Bola Tinubu moves to strengthen troop welfare and boost national security.
ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a move aimed at improving troop welfare and strengthening national security.
The new salary structure will benefit about 250,000 military personnel and is scheduled to take effect from September 1, 2026.
Under the approved package, 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 benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
The adjustment is expected to raise the Federal Government’s annual salary expenditure on the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to recognising the courage, dedication and sacrifices of military personnel who continue to combat banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across the country.
“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 reaffirmed that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare while modernising the armed forces through improved access to weapons, equipment and advanced technological tools needed to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
According to the President, lasting national development cannot be achieved without security, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to deploying all available military and law enforcement resources to eliminate threats and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
President Tinubu urged members of the armed forces to regard the enhanced remuneration as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
He expressed confidence that, with sustained commitment and improved support, Nigeria’s security forces would prevail over those seeking to undermine the country’s peace and stability.
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