President Bola Tinubu has approved new pay rates for Nigeria's armed forces, with salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent depending on rank, effective from September 1, 2026. The announcement was made on August 4, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. About 250,000 military personnel are set to benefit from the new package.
Structure of the Pay Rise
The pay rise is structured to favour lower-ranking soldiers. Officers ranked above colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer level will see their pay rise by 50 per cent, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant rank stand to gain the most, with an 80 per cent increase.
The revised pay structure will push the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
Tinubu Calls It a Mark of Appreciation
Speaking on the decision, Tinubu said those who protect the country deserve to be properly supported.
"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. 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 said.
The president also linked the pay rise to the government's broader security agenda, which has seen military forces deployed across parts of the country battling banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
"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," Tinubu added.
He closed with a direct message to service members: "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."
