President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of Nigeria's Armed Forces, a move expected to raise the federal government's annual military wage bill by N264 billion. The decision, announced on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, will take effect from 1 September and benefits approximately 250,000 personnel.
The pay review is part of broader efforts to improve troop welfare as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. According to the presidency, the revised package will increase the armed forces' annual salary bill from N660 billion to N924 billion, representing an additional N264 billion in personnel expenditure.
Percentage Increase by Rank
Under the new salary structure, 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 colonel to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.
The increase amounts to an overall rise of 40 per cent in the military wage bill, although the actual increase for individual personnel varies by rank. Junior soldiers, who make up much of the military's frontline fighting force, received the largest percentage increase, suggesting the government is directing the biggest pay improvements to personnel most actively engaged in combat operations.
Context and Impact
PREMIUM TIMES reported that troops fighting across the country's frontlines have lamented about poor welfare. While the presidency has yet to release the revised salary table, Defence Minister Christopher Musa had earlier said the minimum monthly salary for the lowest-ranked soldier was increased from N49,000 to N100,000 under the Tinubu administration. It is not immediately clear whether that increase forms part of the newly approved salary review or was implemented separately.
The announcement comes as Nigerian troops remain deployed in sustained counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country, including the North-east, North-west, and North-central, where they continue to confront Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed bandit groups, and kidnappers. The salary adjustment also forms part of the Tinubu administration's broader efforts to improve troop welfare alongside investments in military equipment, weapons procurement, and technology aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness.
Presidential Statement
Announcing the decision, Mr Onanuga explained that President Tinubu said members of the armed forces deserved greater support in recognition of their sacrifices. "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," Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The president said his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare while modernising the armed forces with the weapons and technological tools required to confront security threats. "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," he added.
Mr Tinubu urged military personnel to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government's appreciation for their service, expressing confidence that the armed forces would prevail against groups threatening the country's security.
