Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, granting pay increases of between 30 and 80 per cent in one of the most significant reviews of military remuneration in recent years, Prime Business Africa reports.
The new package, announced by the Presidency on Tuesday, will take effect from September 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
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The salary review is weighted in favour of lower-ranking personnel, with soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant receiving the highest increase of 80 per cent.
Personnel from Colonel down to Warrant Officer will receive a 50 per cent pay rise, while officers above the rank of Colonel including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals will receive a 30 per cent increase.
The revised salary structure will raise the armed forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, adding ₦264 billion to the Federal Government’s yearly personnel expenditure on the military.
For lower-ranking soldiers, who constitute the bulk of troops deployed to combat insurgency, banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, the announcement translates into a substantial improvement in earnings and living standards. The higher pay is expected to strengthen their purchasing power, ease the financial burden on military families and improve morale among personnel serving on the front lines.
The decision also signals a deliberate shift towards rewarding those most directly involved in combat and internal security operations. Military and security analysts have long argued that improved remuneration and welfare are critical to retaining experienced personnel, reducing attrition and sustaining operational effectiveness.
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Beyond its immediate financial impact, the pay increase is expected to enhance the attractiveness of military service to new recruits while reinforcing broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Analysts say better welfare, combined with investments in modern equipment, intelligence and training, could improve the armed forces’ capacity to respond to persistent security challenges across the country.
In announcing the approval, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and modernising the armed forces through enhanced funding for weapons, equipment and technology. He described security as the foundation of national development and urged military personnel to regard the salary increase as recognition of their sacrifice and service to the nation.
The new salary structure takes effect on September 1, 2026.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
