Military Personnel Receive Increased Salaries Approved by Tinubu

Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have started receiving their September salaries with the newly approved salary increases now reflected in their payments.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed the development, saying the implementation of the new salary structure is part of efforts to improve the welfare and conditions of service of military personnel.

President Bola Tinubu approved salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces in August. The new structure took effect from September 1, 2026.

Under the approved arrangement, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant receive an 80 per cent increase. Those from Warrant Officer to Colonel receive a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of Colonel receive a 30 per cent increase.

The adjustment is expected to increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed that the revised salaries had begun reflecting in the accounts of military personnel.

Some junior military personnel also confirmed receiving the new payments, with soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant reporting the approved 80 per cent increase.

The salary review was approved amid the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve military welfare, strengthen operational readiness and support personnel involved in tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The implementation marks the commencement of the new pay structure across the Armed Forces, covering personnel in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.