President Bola Tinubu has greenlit a significant pay raise for the Nigerian Armed Forces, with hikes between 30 and 80 per cent. This update, impacting roughly 250,000 active service members, is scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the salary structure is tiered by rank. Junior-ranking staff will see the most substantial boosts. Officers ranked above Colonel, such as Brigadier-Generals and Generals, are set for a 30 per cent raise. Meanwhile, those from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will earn 50 per cent more, and personnel ranging from Private to Staff Sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.
These changes will expand the military’s yearly wage expenditure from N660 billion to N924 billion. Onanuga explained that the decision acknowledges the vital role military forces play in battling terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry nationwide. President Tinubu emphasized that his government is dedicated to enhancing troop welfare and upgrading defense technology. He urged soldiers to view this salary adjustment as a clear sign of the nation’s gratitude for their ongoing commitment to national security.
