President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a salary increase ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new pay structure taking effect from Sept. 1, 2026.
The approval is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the salary review is structured according to rank, with junior personnel receiving the highest percentage increase.
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 benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increment.
The statement noted that the revised salary structure would increase the annual wage bill of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
According to Onanuga, the salary adjustment reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in tackling insecurity across the country.
He said the pay increase acknowledges the critical role played by members of the Armed Forces in combating banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats.
President Tinubu said the welfare package was aimed at supporting personnel who continue to risk their lives in defence of the nation.
“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.
The salary review is one of the latest measures by the Federal Government to strengthen the welfare of security personnel and enhance morale as the Armed Forces continue operations against criminal and insurgent groups across Nigeria.
