President Bola Tinubu has approved significant salary increases for Nigeria’s armed forces, with raises ranging from 30% to 80% for an estimated 250,000 personnel.
The announcement was made in a Statehouse press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on August 4, 2026.
Under the new pay structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30% increase. This category includes Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will get a 50% increase.
The largest raise goes to the junior ranks. Personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.
The salary review will push the federal government’s annual wage bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion — an increase of N264 billion.
President Tinubu, in the statement, praised the courage and sacrifices of military personnel as they battle banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across 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.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.”
He added that security remains central to national development:
“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.”
President Tinubu urged servicemen to view the pay rise “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,” he concluded.
The new salary package is expected to boost morale within the ranks as the military intensifies operations against insecurity nationwide.