BREAKING: Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Nigerian Soldiers

• President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, with the new pay structure taking effect from September 1, 2026.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, granting pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for approximately 250,000 military personnel across the country.

The new salary package, which will take effect from September 1, 2026, was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the salary adjustment is structured to favour lower-ranking personnel, with junior officers and soldiers receiving the highest percentage increases.

Under the approved package, officers above the rank of colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.

The new wage structure will increase the Armed Forces’ annual salary bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in government spending.

President Tinubu said the salary increase was in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping 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.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and strengthening the military through continuous investment in modern equipment and technology.

“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 stated.

The President also stressed that security remains central to his administration’s development agenda.

“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 urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their dedication and patriotism.

“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,” Tinubu added.