JUST IN: Tinubu Approves Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel
President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of Nigeria’s armed forces, with about 250,000 officers and soldiers expected to benefit from the new pay package.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, provides for varying increases based on rank.
Under the arrangement, 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 receive a 50 per cent increase, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.
The new pay package will raise the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
The President said the decision was part of his administration’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices of military personnel and improving their welfare as they confront banditry, kidnapping, terrorism 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,” Tinubu said.
He added that the administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces through the provision of weapons and technological tools required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
According to the President, security remains fundamental to national development, stressing that his administration would continue to mobilise military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
Tinubu urged members of the armed forces to regard the salary adjustment as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and sacrifice to the nation.
“Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.
The approval was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
By TimesNG