President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary package for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with about 250,000 military personnel set to benefit from the increase beginning September 1, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the salary adjustment ranges from 30 percent to 80 percent, depending on rank.
According to the statement, officers from the rank of Brigadier General to General will receive a 30 percent salary increase, while personnel from Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 percent increase.
Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment, with an 80 percent salary increase under the new package.
The Presidency also revealed that the new salary structure will raise the annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
“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,” Onanuga said.
He added that the Tinubu administration remains committed to improving troop welfare while equipping the military with modern weapons and technology to tackle security challenges across the country.
“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,” the statement added.
The President also urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
“Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” Tinubu said.
The announcement comes weeks after the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, hinted that the President would unveil another salary increase for military personnel.
