From David Onuoja, Abuja
There was widespread excitement among Nigeria’s Armed Forces recently, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for military personnel nationwide.
The Presidency described the move as part of efforts to boost troop welfare and morale amid ongoing security operations across the country.
The announcement was contained in a State House press release, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, about 250,000 military personnel nationwide will benefit from the new pay package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026.
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Officers above the rank of Colonel Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.
Personnel from Colonel down to Warrant Officer, will get a 50 per cent increase, Personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will have their pay raised by 80 per cent.
The adjustment will raise the federal government’s annual wage bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, an increase of N264 billion per year.
President Tinubu praised the “courage and sacrifices” of service men and women confronting banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in parts of 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.
He added that his administration remains committed to prioritizing troop welfare and modernizing the armed forces with better weapons and technology.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The pay rise comes barely after a meeting between the President and the Catholic Archbishop, where issues of poor personnel salaries and welfare were reportedly raised.
It also comes amid ongoing military operations against insecurity across several states, and is expected to be one of the largest upward reviews of military remuneration in recent years.
