President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent depending on rank.
The new salary package, which will take effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel. The development was announced in a statement on Tuesday August 3, 2026 by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to Onanuga, the salary adjustment is designed to favour lower-ranking personnel, with the highest percentage increases going to junior officers and soldiers.
Under the revised structure, officers from the rank of Colonel and above—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 receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent salary increment.
The new wage structure will increase the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion.
President Tinubu said the salary review is in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in tackling banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.
He said, “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 also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops and strengthening the military through modern equipment.
“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.
Emphasising the importance of security to national development, Tinubu stated:
“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 further appealed to members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s 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 said.