ABUJA — In a major move aimed at improving troop welfare and boosting morale, President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, featuring pay increases ranging from 30% to 80%.
The comprehensive review, which officially takes effect on September 1, 2026, is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel serving across the country.
Salary Breakdown by Rank
Under the newly approved arrangement, the highest percentage increase has been strategically allocated to the military’s lower-ranking and frontline personnel.
| Rank Category | Salary Increase |
| Private to Staff Sergeant | 80% |
| Colonel to Warrant Officer | 50% |
| Brigadier General to General | 30% |
Financial Impact and Strategic Context
The pay review will see the Armed Forces’ annual salary bill rise significantly, jumping from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
This major financial injection reflects the Federal Government’s active commitment to improving the living standards of its military personnel. The implementation comes at a critical time, as Nigerian troops remain heavily engaged in complex, nationwide operations against terrorism, banditry, and other pressing security threats.
Speaking on the development, President Tinubu emphasized that members of the Armed Forces—who continuously risk their lives to protect the nation and its citizens—rightfully deserve better welfare and unwavering support from the state.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s broader strategic goal of modernizing the Nigerian military. Beyond this historic pay raise, the government has pledged to prioritize the procurement of improved tactical equipment and advanced technology, alongside ensuring substantially better working conditions for all personnel.
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