President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive salary review for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, authorising pay increases ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent, with the new salary structure set to take effect from September 1.
The approval was announced on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the review is aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening morale across the armed forces.
Under the new salary structure, the highest percentage increases will go to junior-ranked personnel. Officers from the rank of brigadier-general and above will receive a 30 per cent salary increase, officers from colonel to warrant officer ranks will receive a 50 per cent increase, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay rise.
According to the Presidency, the review reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to rewarding the sacrifices of military personnel serving in various security operations across the country.
“No nation can achieve sustainable development without a secure and motivated military,” President Tinubu said. He added that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare while investing in modern equipment, technology and other capabilities needed to enhance the operational effectiveness of the armed forces.
The President urged military personnel to view the salary adjustment as recognition of their dedication to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining internal security.
The pay review comes as the Nigerian military continues operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East, armed bandit groups in the North-West, separatist-related violence in parts of the South-East, and widespread kidnapping and other violent crimes across several regions.
The announcement follows recent assurances by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), that the Federal Government was committed to improving the welfare of military personnel. Before his appointment as minister, Musa served as Chief of Defence Staff and had previously disclosed that soldiers’ monthly salaries had been significantly reviewed during his tenure, while indicating that further improvements were being considered.
The latest salary increase also comes amid broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through expanded recruitment, enhanced training, acquisition of modern military equipment and reforms aimed at improving the operational capacity of the armed forces.
Security analysts have long argued that while improved remuneration is essential for boosting morale, reducing attrition and attracting qualified recruits, sustainable gains in national security will also depend on sustained investment in intelligence, logistics, surveillance technology, training and adequate operational funding.
The Presidency did not disclose the total cost of implementing the revised salary structure or whether additional budgetary allocations would be required. However, analysts say the increase is expected to significantly raise personnel spending within Nigeria’s defence budget as the government seeks to improve military effectiveness in addressing the country’s persistent security challenges.
The salary review represents one of the most significant adjustments to military remuneration in recent years and underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on personnel welfare as a key pillar of its national security strategy.
