President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 percent for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in a move aimed at boosting morale and strengthening the fight against insecurity.
The new pay structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 personnel. Junior ranks, from private to staff sergeant, will receive the highest increase of 80 percent, while warrant officers to colonels will get 50 percent, and senior officers from brigadier-general to general will see a 30 percent rise.
The adjustment raises the military’s annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, an increase of ₦264 billion.
The Presidency said the decision recognizes the sacrifices of military personnel engaged in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, and anti-kidnapping operations across the country. Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and modernising the armed forces with better equipment and technology.
Defence authorities described the pay rise as a major morale booster that could improve recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness. However, they stressed that the impact would depend on prompt implementation and complementary investments in logistics, housing, healthcare, and military hardware.
Serving personnel welcomed the announcement but expressed caution, noting that previous welfare promises had faced delays. Many said they would reserve judgment until the new salaries are reflected in their accounts.
The salary increase comes amid ongoing security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and widespread kidnappings, which have continued despite increased military deployments.
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