By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces in what the Presidency described as one of the administration’s most significant welfare interventions for the military since the return to democratic rule.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, is expected to raise the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for military personnel from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting an additional ₦264 billion commitment to troop welfare.
The approval was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the pay review was designed to reward the sacrifices of officers and soldiers confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
Under the new salary package, officers above the rank of colonel—including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent increase.
•Lowest-ranking personnel receive 80% increase
Personnel from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will benefit from a 50 per cent salary increase, while soldiers from the rank of private to staff sergeant—the category most directly engaged in frontline combat operations—will enjoy the highest increase of 80 per cent.
According to the Presidency, the new wage package forms part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to improve the welfare, morale and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
The President reiterated his administration’s determination to continue investing in both the welfare and operational capacity of the military as part of ongoing efforts to restore security across the country.
“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 stated.
Tinubu stressed that strengthening national security remains central to his administration’s development agenda, insisting that sustainable economic growth and national prosperity cannot be achieved without a secure environment.
“No nation can achieve greatness without security. We remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” the President declared.
He urged military personnel to regard the salary review as recognition of their patriotism and commitment to defending the country.
“I urge our servicemen to take this gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation for the services they render to our fatherland. Together, we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” Tinubu added.
The latest pay increase comes as the Federal Government intensifies military operations against insurgents, terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across several parts of the country, while simultaneously implementing broader reforms aimed at strengthening the welfare, motivation and operational readiness of the Armed Forces.
