BREAKING: Tinubu Approves 30–80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel
President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, with the new pay structure taking effect from September 1, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, about 250,000 military personnel are expected to benefit from the salary adjustment.
Under the new arrangement, 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 receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent salary increase.
The new pay package is expected to increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
President Tinubu said the decision was aimed at recognising the sacrifices of military personnel who continue to confront 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.
He added that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of troops while strengthening the Armed Forces with modern weapons and technology.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also stressed the importance of security to national development, saying, “No nation can achieve greatness without security.”
He assured Nigerians that the government would remain committed to mobilising military and law enforcement resources to tackle security threats and protect lives and property.
Tinubu urged members of the Armed Forces to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service to the country.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture 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 said.
The announcement comes as the Armed Forces continue operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in various parts of Nigeria.
