President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The new pay structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across the country.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the salary adjustment is based on rank, with junior personnel receiving the highest percentage increase.
Under the new structure, officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent 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 benefit from an 80 per cent salary increment.
The statement noted that the revised salary structure will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
President Tinubu said the pay rise reflects his administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country, stressing the need to adequately support those protecting the nation.
