Tinubu Raises Military Salaries By Up To 80%, New Pay Begins Sept. 1

President Bola Tinubu has approved a 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the new pay structure taking effect from September 1, 2026.

The approval, announced on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is aimed at improving troop welfare and rewarding military personnel for their sacrifices in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.

Under the revised salary structure, junior personnel will receive the highest increase. Personnel from the rank of private to staff sergeant will enjoy an 80 per cent salary increase, while those from warrant officer to colonel will receive a 50 per cent adjustment. Senior officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.

The new salary package will raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in government expenditure on military salaries.

President Tinubu said the pay rise underscores his administration’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices of service personnel safeguarding the nation.

“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 reaffirmed that troop welfare remains a key component of his administration’s security agenda, alongside sustained investment in modern weapons, technology and military capabilities.

“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.

Tinubu stressed that national development cannot be achieved without adequate security, pledging continued support for the military and other security agencies in confronting threats across the country.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We 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.

The President urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary review as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and dedication.

The salary adjustment comes as security forces intensify operations against insurgents, bandits and kidnappers in several parts of Nigeria. Military authorities have consistently identified improved welfare, better equipment and enhanced operational capacity as essential to boosting morale and operational effectiveness.

The latest review is one of the most significant military salary increases in recent years and forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through greater investment in personnel and defence capabilities.