Tinubu Raises Military Salaries By 30–80%, New Pay Takes Effect September

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, with about 250,000 personnel expected to benefit from the new pay package.

The salary increase will take effect from September 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday.

Under the new 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 those from the rank of private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.

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The new salary structure is expected to increase the annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

President Tinubu said the decision was part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel involved in combating banditry, kidnapping and terrorism 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.

He added that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise troop welfare while modernising the Armed Forces through the provision of weapons and technological tools required to effectively discharge their duties.

Tinubu said the government remained committed to mobilising military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

The President urged members of the Armed Forces to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and sacrifices.

The announcement comes as the Armed Forces continue to confront security threats, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in different parts of the country.