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President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent across different ranks.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said about 250,000 military personnel would benefit from the new salary package, which takes effect from September 1.
Under the approved structure, officers from the rank of Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
The new pay package is expected to increase the Armed Forces’ annual salary bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
According to the Presidency, the salary review is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare and morale of military personnel engaged in operations against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across the country.
President Tinubu said members of the Armed Forces deserve adequate support and recognition for the sacrifices they make in 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 his administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and modernising the Armed Forces through the provision of modern weapons, equipment and technological tools.
“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.
“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.”
The President urged members of the Armed Forces to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and dedication to the country.
“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,” he said.
The Tinubu administration has consistently identified security as one of its top priorities, with military personnel playing a central role in operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other violent crimes across different parts of the country.
In recent months, the Federal Government has also approved measures aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces, including plans to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and increase investment in military equipment and intelligence capabilities.
Successive administrations have periodically reviewed the salaries and welfare packages of military personnel in response to rising operational demands and economic realities.
Security experts have long argued that improved remuneration, better equipment, quality healthcare, housing and insurance benefits are essential to boosting troop morale, enhancing operational effectiveness and supporting the Armed Forces in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
