President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The new salary structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across the country.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the pay adjustment was said to be based on rank, with junior officers and soldiers receiving the highest percentage increase.
Under the revised structure, officers above the rank of Colonel—including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay rise.
According to the statement, the adjustment will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion.
Onanuga said the salary review reflects President Tinubu’s recognition of the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel engaged in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country.
Emphasising the importance of supporting the nation’s security forces, President Tinubu said:
“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.”
