President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, granting pay increases ranging from 30% to 80% in what is one of the most significant military welfare reforms in recent years.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the revised salary structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, benefiting approximately 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Junior Personnel Receive Largest Pay Increase
Under the new salary structure, personnel in the lower ranks will receive the highest increases.
Private to Staff Sergeant: 80% salary increase
Colonel to Warrant Officer: 50% salary increase
Brigadier General to General: 30% salary increase
The revised structure will raise the Federal Government’s annual military wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion.
President Tinubu said the salary review demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting the men and women responsible for protecting 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.
“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 said.
The President urged military personnel to regard the salary increase as recognition of their sacrifices and service.
Earlier this year, President Tinubu pledged to donate his accumulated presidential salary since assuming office in May 2023 to establish a support fund for wounded soldiers and the families of fallen military personnel.
Broader Military Expansion
The pay increase follows a series of reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Less than two weeks ago, President Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to improve operational effectiveness, command structures and nationwide military coverage.
The four newly established formations are the 5 Division (Makurdi), 9 Division (Ilorin), 10 Division (Jalingo), and 83 Division (Benin City).
