President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of 30 to 80 per cent for members of Nigeria’s armed forces, with the new pay structure taking effect from September 1.
Under the revised package, Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals will receive a 30% salary increase. Personnel from Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50% raise, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80%. The adjustment will benefit about 250,000 military personnel nationwide.
The salary review will increase the armed forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion. President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare in recognition of their sacrifices in tackling banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other security threats.
He also pledged continued investment in modern weapons, technology, and other resources to strengthen the military, stressing that national security remains essential to Nigeria’s development. The President urged service members to see the pay increase as a token of appreciation for their dedication and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to protect lives and property across the country.