President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant salary increase for members of Nigeria’s armed forces, with pay rises ranging from 30% to 80%, as the country continues to battle widespread security challenges.
According to official statements, the new pay structure will take effect from September 1, 2026, with the highest increases targeted at lower-ranking personnel. Soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive up to 80%, mid-level officers up to 50%, while senior officers and generals will see about 30% increases.
The move is aimed at boosting morale and improving welfare within the military, as Nigeria faces persistent threats including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, kidnappings in the north-central region, and separatist violence in the southeast.
The salary adjustment is expected to raise the government’s annual military wage bill from about ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting a major financial commitment to strengthening the armed forces.
Officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to modernise the military and better equip troops to tackle ongoing security challenges across the country.
