Tinubu Raises Military Salaries By Up To 80%

President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, in a move aimed at improving troop welfare amid ongoing security operations nationwide.

The development was announced on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the revised salary structure will take effect from September 1, 2026.

According to the Presidency, about 250,000 military personnel are expected to benefit from the pay review, which will increase the Federal Government’s annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in personnel costs.

Under the new structure, senior officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Officers from colonel to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will benefit from the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.

The Presidency said the salary review forms part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen troop welfare while supporting ongoing military operations against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

Although the revised salary scale has not yet been released, the government said the adjustment is intended to provide greater support for military personnel, particularly junior ranks who make up a significant proportion of frontline troops.

The announcement comes as Nigerian security forces continue operations in the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed bandit groups and kidnappers.

The Federal Government said the salary increase complements ongoing investments in military equipment, weapons procurement and operational capabilities aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

President Tinubu said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices of military personnel and ensuring they receive better welfare while carrying out