President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, in a move aimed at improving troop welfare and strengthening the country’s response to growing security challenges.
The new pay structure will take effect from September 1, with the highest increase of 80 per cent going to junior enlisted personnel, from privates to staff sergeants. Warrant officers up to colonels will receive a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers, including generals, will get a 30 per cent raise.
The adjustment raises the annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing one of the largest salary reviews for the armed forces in recent years.
Announcing the development, the Presidency said the pay rise reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The salary review comes as Nigeria continues to confront multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East, armed banditry in the North-West, kidnapping across several states, separatist violence in parts of the South-East and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and upgrading military capabilities.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu linked the latest salary increase to his administration’s broader security agenda, stressing that national development depends on a safe and secure environment.
“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.
He also urged members of the armed forces to see the gesture as a mark of appreciation for their service.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” the President added.
The salary increase forms part of a wider military reform programme under the Tinubu administration. In recent weeks, the President approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, alongside increased investment in military equipment and operational capacity.
The Federal Government says the combined measures are designed to strengthen the armed forces, improve morale, boost recruitment and retention, and enhance the military’s ability to tackle evolving security threats across the country.
Although the new salary structure will increase government spending, authorities maintain that investing in troop welfare and military readiness is essential to restoring security, protecting critical national assets and creating a more stable environment for economic growth and investment.
