ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay increases ranging from 30 percent to 80 percent, in a move aimed at improving the welfare and morale of military personnel.
The new salary package, announced by the Presidency, is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel and will take effect from September 1, 2026.
According to the new structure, personnel in the lower ranks will receive the highest percentage increase, while senior officers will also enjoy substantial adjustments.
Under the approved salary package:
- Private to Staff Sergeant: 80% salary increase.
- Warrant Officer to Colonel: 50% salary increase.
- Brigadier General to General: 30% salary increase.
The Presidency said the adjustment will increase the Federal Government’s annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting its commitment to improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
President Tinubu praised the sacrifices made by Nigerian military personnel in defending the country against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
He assured members of the Armed Forces that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare by improving salaries, accommodation, equipment and working conditions.
According to the President, no nation can achieve meaningful development without adequate security. He also pledged continued investment in modern weapons, technology and operational tools to strengthen the capacity of the Armed Forces.
The announcement follows earlier comments by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who disclosed that the Federal Government was working on another salary review.
General Musa had previously revealed that the minimum monthly pay for soldiers had increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, acknowledging that the amount was still inadequate given the risks military personnel face.
His remarks generated widespread debate, with many Nigerians arguing that soldiers deserved significantly higher remuneration considering their role in combating insecurity across the country.
President Tinubu had first promised a comprehensive salary review during an Iftar meeting with military chiefs in March 2026.
At the gathering, he assured service personnel that their sacrifices would not go unrewarded and pledged to improve their welfare and the living conditions of their families.
The latest approval fulfills that commitment and represents one of the biggest salary reviews for the Nigerian military in recent years.
Available estimates suggest Nigeria’s military salaries still trail those of some African countries despite the latest increase.
For entry-level personnel:
- Nigeria: About ₦104,000 monthly after the latest adjustment.
- Ghana: Between ₦157,000 and ₦235,000 (equivalent).
- South Africa: Between ₦704,000 and ₦1.06 million (equivalent).
Figures compiled by statistical platform Statisense also indicate that a Major General in Nigeria earns significantly less than a counterpart in South Africa, although independent verification of the estimates remains unavailable.
The salary increase comes as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across several regions.
Analysts say improved remuneration could enhance troop morale, reduce financial hardship among service personnel and strengthen the military’s capacity to retain experienced officers while attracting new recruits.
The Federal Government says the new package is part of broader reforms designed to modernize the Armed Forces and ensure personnel are adequately rewarded for their service to the nation.
