By Faith Chondol
President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 Nigerian armed forces personnel.
The new salary structure, approved by the President, takes effect from September 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday.
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 the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent salary increase.
The new pay package is expected to increase the annual salary bill for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.
The salary adjustment comes as Nigerian military personnel continue to confront banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in several parts of the country.
President Tinubu said the welfare of military personnel remained a priority of his administration, stressing that those responsible for protecting citizens must be adequately supported and appreciated.
“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 also pledged continued investment in the modernisation of the armed forces, including the provision of weapons and technological equipment required to improve their operational effectiveness.
“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,” he said.
The President maintained that national security was fundamental to Nigeria’s development, adding that his administration would continue to deploy military and law enforcement resources to tackle security threats.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security,” Tinubu said.
“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 urged members of the armed forces to regard the salary adjustment as recognition of their sacrifices and commitment to the country.
“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,” he said.
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