Tinubu Military Salary Increase raises Armed Forces pay by up to 80% from September 2026, benefiting about 250,000 personnel nationwide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved a comprehensive salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, introducing one of the most significant military welfare packages in recent years as the government seeks to improve troop morale and strengthen national security.

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The new pay structure will take effect on September 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 personnel serving in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.

Under the approved package, 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 the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant, the largest category of junior enlisted personnel, will benefit from the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.

The review will increase the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting a substantial investment in military welfare amid continuing security operations across the country.

Announcing the decision, the Presidency said the increase recognises the sacrifices made by service personnel in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats confronting Nigeria.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

The salary review forms part of a broader strategy to improve the welfare of military personnel while continuing the modernisation of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of advanced weapons systems, equipment and technology.

“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,” the President said.

President Tinubu added that national security remains essential for economic growth and sustainable development, stressing that no country can achieve lasting prosperity without a secure environment.

“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 salary adjustment comes as Nigeria continues to confront multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North East, armed banditry in the North West, kidnapping across several regions and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Successive administrations have faced calls from military personnel, veterans and security experts to improve soldiers’ welfare alongside increased investment in equipment, intelligence and operational capability.

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The salary increase is expected to boost morale among serving personnel and reinforce ongoing efforts to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces as the government intensifies its response to insecurity nationwide.