Tinubu approves 80% salary increase for armed forces personnel

President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with junior ranks receiving the highest raises under the new pay structure.

The salary review, which will benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel, will take effect from September 1, 2026.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the salary increase will be implemented on a graduated scale, with the percentage increase declining as personnel move up the rank structure.

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 to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary raise.

The new pay package will increase the annual salary bill of the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an additional N264 billion.

President Tinubu said the salary review was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping 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.

Tinubu said his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel and modernise the Armed Forces by providing the equipment and technology required to carry out their duties effectively.

“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 said national security remained central to the country’s development and pledged to continue mobilising military and law-enforcement resources to confront security challenges.

“Our administration believes that 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,” Tinubu said.

He urged members of the Armed Forces to regard the salary increase as an expression of the government’s appreciation for their service 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,” the president said.