Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a substantial salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with adjustments ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, in what is being described as one of the most significant welfare packages for military personnel in recent years. The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, through a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirming that the new salary structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, and will benefit approximately 250,000 officers and men across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the approved graduated structure, which scales inversely with rank to ensure the highest percentage increases go to the most junior personnel, 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 personnel from private to staff sergeant, the category comprising the majority of enlisted personnel, will benefit from an 80 per cent increase. The pay review is expected to raise the Federal Government's annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an increase of N264 billion.
Announcing the approval, the Presidency said the salary increase reflects President Tinubu's recognition of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across 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 reaffirmed his administration's determination to strengthen troop welfare alongside ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces through the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and cutting-edge 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," he stated.
The President tied the salary increase to his broader philosophy on national security, saying, "Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians." He also urged military personnel to see the salary review as a demonstration of the government's appreciation for their patriotism, courage and dedication to national service. "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," Tinubu said.
The salary increase comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to boost troop morale and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against insecurity across Nigeria. The announcement also follows recent measures to expand the military, including the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel and the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions to improve coordination and response times. Defence officials and military unions have welcomed the development, describing it as a long-overdue recognition of the sacrifices made by service members who risk their lives daily in the fight against insurgency and banditry. As the new salary structure takes effect from September 1, the Tinubu administration has made it clear that troop welfare and military modernisation will remain a standing priority, with the President stressing that no nation can achieve sustainable progress without guaranteeing the safety of its citizens and the well-being of those who defend them.
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