President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian armed forces, effective September 1, 2026. Announced by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the new pay package is designed to benefit approximately 250,000 service members.

The graduated structure of the salary increase scales inversely with rank, ensuring that lower-tier personnel receive the highest percentage adjustments:

• Private to Staff Sergeant: 80 per cent increase

• Colonel to Warrant Officer: 50 per cent increase

• Officers above Colonel (Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals): 30 per cent increase

This adjustment will raise the annual salary allocation for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing a total increase of N264 billion.

Focus on Troop Welfare and National Security

The administration stated that the salary review directly recognizes the ongoing sacrifices made by military personnel in combating banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism across the country. Troop welfare and military modernisation remain standing priorities, with commitments to provide the necessary weapons and technological tools required for security operations.

The presidency emphasized that national security is foundational to achieving national greatness, and the administration remains resolute in mobilizing all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all citizens. Personnel have been encouraged to view the salary adjustment as an expression of national appreciation for their continued service to the country.