Tinubu Approves 30%–80% Salary Increase for Nigerian Military Forces.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 percent for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a move aimed at improving troop welfare as the country battles insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the new pay structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, and will directly benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.Under the new payment structure, officers above the rank of Colonel, including Generals, will receive a 30 percent salary increase, while personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will get a 50 percent raise. Soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80 percent, with the graduated structure designed to give the biggest boost to junior personnel. The package will increase the military’s annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

According to the Presidency, the new salary structure was deliberately designed to favour junior personnel, with the highest percentage increases going to the lowest ranks. President Tinubu said the package reflects his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare while strengthening the military’s capacity to address Nigeria’s
security challenges. He also reiterated plans to modernise the armed forces with improved weapons and technology.

Nigerian Army. photo credit: Nigeria Army

Nigeria has continued to battle multiple security threats across different regions, including attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, widespread kidnappings in parts of the North-Central and separatist-linked violence in the South-East. Despite increased military deployments and security spending by successive administrations, the country continues to grapple with persistent attacks by armed groups.

President Bola Tinubu

In response to the recent development, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), expressed his deepest gratitude to the President on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the entire military establishment. He described the salary increase as a significant morale boost that reinforces the administration’s unwavering commitment to security sector reform. Gen. Musa acknowledged the President’s continued empathy and dedication to the welfare of the troops.

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The Defence Minister also urged officers and soldiers to see the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty. He charged troops to redouble their efforts in neutralising security threats, protecting civilian lives and restoring stability across the country. The President had earlier stated that “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.”

Awobajo Soliat

Written by Boom RadioNG