… Military’s annual wage bill increases from N660bn to N924bn
… Move will boost troops’ morale – Defence Minister
President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces, raising the military’s annual wage bill from N660bn to N924bn in what is the biggest upward review of military salaries under his administration.
The new pay structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, grants the highest increases to junior personnel, with soldiers from the rank of private to staff sergeant receiving an 80 per cent salary increase, warrant officers to colonels getting 50 per cent, while brigadier-generals to generals will earn 30 per cent more.
Announcing the package on Tuesday, the Presidency said the salary review was in recognition of the sacrifices military personnel continue to make in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, adding that the administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the Armed Forces with advanced weapons and technology.
The announcement drew widespread commendation from retired senior military officers, who described the pay rise as a major morale booster capable of improving troop commitment, recruitment and operational effectiveness. They, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt implementation and complement the salary review with modern weapons, improved logistics, accommodation, healthcare and other welfare packages.
Serving military personnel also welcomed the development but said they would reserve judgment until the new salaries are reflected in their bank accounts, stressing that effective implementation would be the true measure of the government’s commitment to troop welfare.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Tuesday, said the graduated structure of the increase scales inversely with rank, with the highest percentage increases going to the most junior personnel.
The pay package will raise the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660bn to N924bn, an increase of N264 billion.
The President linked the pay rise directly to the sacrifices personnel continue to make in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across parts of 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.”
Tinubu said troop welfare and military modernisation would remain a standing priority of his administration.
“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.
Tinubu argued that the salary increase is tied to his broader philosophy on national security.
According to him, “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.”
To the benefiting personnel, he said, “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 added.
The pay increase, the most significant upward revision of military salaries under the current administration, comes barely two weeks after Tinubu restructured the Nigerian Army into four additional divisions aimed at improving response times to regional security threats.
MEANWHILE, The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the move as a major boost to troop morale.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the minister said the salary adjustment, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
According to him, the new salary structure provides an 80 per cent increase for junior ranks, from Private to Staff Sergeant, a 50 per cent increase for middle-level personnel and non-commissioned officers, from Warrant Officer to Colonel, and a 30 per cent increase for senior military officers.
General Musa described the approval as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
He said the increase in annual personnel costs from N660 billion to N924 billion underscores the administration’s resolve to support troops serving in various operational theatres across the country.
According to the minister, the improved welfare package would motivate personnel to intensify efforts against insurgency in the North-East, as well as banditry, oil theft, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
He assured President Tinubu and Nigerians that the Armed Forces would reciprocate the gesture with renewed commitment, professionalism and greater operational effectiveness.
“The Ministry of Defence charges all officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to see this substantial enhancement in their condition of service as a renewed call to duty,” he said.
He urged personnel to redouble their efforts in neutralising security threats, protecting lives and property, and restoring peace and stability across the country.
General Musa also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to modernise military equipment, strengthen technological capabilities and improve the welfare of service personnel and their families.
