President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increase for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, introducing a new pay structure that raises military salaries by between 30 and 80 per cent in what is being described as one of the most significant welfare packages for troops in recent years.
The revised salary scale, which will take effect on September 1, is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel nationwide. With the adjustment, the Federal Government’s annual wage expenditure on the Armed Forces will rise from N660 billion to N924 billion.
The largest increase, 80 per cent, will go to personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant, reflecting the administration’s focus on improving the welfare of soldiers directly involved in frontline operations against insurgency, banditry and other security threats.
Under the new arrangement, officers from Warrant Officer up to the rank of Colonel will receive a 50 per cent salary increase, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel—including Brigadier-General, Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General—will receive a 30 per cent adjustment.
The salary review forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to strengthen the Armed Forces by improving welfare, enhancing operational capacity and supporting ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
President Tinubu said the sacrifices made by members of the military deserved meaningful recognition through better conditions of service, modern equipment and sustained government support.
According to him, the government remains committed to ensuring that military personnel are adequately motivated to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the nation.
He also reaffirmed plans to continue modernising the Armed Forces through the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and technology aimed at improving operational efficiency.
The President stressed that security remains central to Nigeria’s development agenda, noting that national progress cannot be achieved without protecting lives and property.
Tinubu further encouraged officers and soldiers to view the salary increase as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their service, expressing confidence that the Armed Forces would remain steadfast in confronting threats to the country’s peace and stability.
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