Tinubu Approves Salary Increase For Armed Forces, Raises Military Wage Bill To ₦924bn

Tinubu Approves Salary Increase For Armed Forces, Raises Military Wage Bill To ₦924bn

Historic Military Pay Review: President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increase of between 30 and 80 percent for members of the Armed Forces, marking one of the most significant welfare packages for military personnel in recent years.

250,000 Personnel To Benefit: The new salary structure, effective from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 officers and soldiers, with junior personnel receiving the highest percentage increase to boost morale and operational efficiency.

Annual Wage Bill Jumps By ₦264bn: The Federal Government’s annual salary commitment to the military will rise from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting increased investment in troop welfare amid ongoing security challenges.

Tinubu Reaffirms Security Commitment: The President says improved remuneration will be complemented by continued investments in modern weapons, technology and operational capacity to strengthen the Armed Forces’ fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive upward review of salaries for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, increasing pay across all ranks by between 30 and 80 percent in a move aimed at strengthening troop welfare and boosting morale.

reports that the new remuneration package, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 personnel serving in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.

A statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed that the salary adjustment will increase the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in personnel expenditure.

Junior Personnel Receive Highest Salary Boost

According to details released by the Presidency on Tuesday, officers above the rank of Colonel (including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals) will receive a 30 percent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 percent increase, while soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 percent.

President Tinubu said the salary increase reflects his administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens from criminal and terrorist threats.

“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 reaffirmed that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel while pursuing the modernisation of the Armed Forces through the provision of improved weapons systems, equipment and technological capabilities.

According to the President, achieving national development depends largely on guaranteeing security, stressing that no country can attain greatness without ensuring the safety of lives and property.

Tinubu said the Federal Government remains committed to mobilising all military and law enforcement assets required to eliminate security threats and restore peace across the country.

He also urged officers and soldiers to regard the salary review as a demonstration of the nation’s gratitude for their patriotism and dedication to duty.

“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”, the President stated.