New package takes effect September 1, raising the annual military salary bill from N660 billion to N924 billion as privates receive the highest percentage increase.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary package for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel, with increases ranging from 30 to 80 percent depending on rank, benefiting approximately 250,000 military personnel with effect from September 1, 2026.
The approval was announced on Tuesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
What each rank category will receive
The salary increases are structured in three tiers based on rank. Officers above the rank of colonel, covering brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, will receive a 30 percent salary increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 percent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80 percent.
Annual salary bill to rise from N660bn to N924bn
Onanuga said the new pay package will increase the yearly salary bill for the country’s armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an additional annual cost of N264 billion to the federal government.
The statement framed the salary increase as a recognition of the sacrifices of military personnel and a commitment to troop welfare.
“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 statement reads.
“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 presidency also restated its position on national security as a prerequisite for development.
“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.”
Onanuga also conveyed a direct message from the president to serving personnel.
“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 approval follows a public signal given on July 27 by Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, who had indicated that Tinubu would announce another salary increase for Nigerian soldiers, confirming that the pay review had been in progress before Tuesday’s formal announcement.
