President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, increasing military salaries by 30 to 80 percent, with the least-paid private now expected to earn about ₦187,000 monthly.
The new salary package, which is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel, will take effect from September 1, according to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Under the approved structure, officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 percent salary increase.
Personnel from Colonel to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 percent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 percent.
The development comes weeks after the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), disclosed that the Federal Government had earlier increased the salary of the lowest-paid military personnel from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, a revelation that sparked widespread calls for a more comprehensive review of military wages.
According to documents obtained by LEADERSHIP, the new salary structure will raise the annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to about ₦924 billion.
President Tinubu said the salary review demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency 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 also pledged to continue investing in the Armed Forces by improving troop welfare and providing modern weapons and technology needed to tackle insecurity effectively.
“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.”
According to the new pay structure, a Private, who previously earned about ₦104,000 monthly, will now earn approximately ₦187,000 following the 80 percent increase.
Similarly, Lance Corporals will receive about ₦211,000, while Sergeants and equivalent ranks will earn ₦216,000 and above.
Among commissioned officers, a Major will now earn approximately ₦540,000 monthly, compared to about ₦360,000 under the previous salary structure, although actual earnings will vary depending on rank, corps, age and other service conditions.
Military sources, however, noted that the exact figures for each rank will only become clear once detailed implementation guidelines are released.
NLC Welcomes Salary Review
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) welcomed the salary increase, describing it as a positive step, while calling for fairness in wage adjustments across the public sector.
NLC spokesperson Comrade Benson Upah said the labour union has no objection to salary reviews for military personnel provided similar attention is given to other categories of workers.
He also expressed concern that some junior military personnel were reportedly yet to fully benefit from the current national minimum wage.
“We are not opposed to salary increase or upward review of salaries for any category of workers, including those in the armed forces, so long as an equitable balance is maintained,” Upah said.
Senators, Security Experts React
Chairmen of the Senate Committees on Defence and Army, Senators Ahmad Lawan and Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, praised the new salary package, describing it as a major boost to troop welfare, morale and national security.
They said the pay increase reflects the Federal Government’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in defending the country.
Security experts also welcomed the development but urged the government to extend similar welfare improvements to personnel of other security agencies.
Retired police officer and security analyst Iyke Odife said better remuneration would improve motivation and commitment among security personnel.
Similarly, retired NSCDC Assistant Commandant-General Edwin Ugwuja called for improved salaries for officers of other security agencies, noting that they also face dangerous conditions while protecting lives and property.
The new salary structure is expected to significantly improve the welfare of military personnel as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen its security architecture.
