Tinubu approves 30%-80% salary increase for armed forces personnel

President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of Nigeria’s armed forces, with about 250,000 personnel expected to benefit from the new pay structure effective September 1.

The new salary package raises the annual wage bill for military personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.

Under the revised structure, 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 down to warrant officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary raise.

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the presidency said the increase reflects the administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare amid ongoing military operations against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across parts of the country.

Tinubu said members of the armed forces deserved greater support and appreciation for their service to 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 added that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel while modernising the armed forces through the provision of weapons and technological equipment needed to carry out their responsibilities.

“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,” he said.