ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major upward review of the salary structure for the Nigerian Armed Forces, approving increases ranging between 30% and 80% for approximately 250,000 military personnel. The new pay structure takes effect on September 1, 2026.
The announcement was conveyed in an official statement on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The review is designed to boost morale and cushion economic pressure for troops combating banditry, terrorism, and insurgency across the nation.
Breakdown of the New Remuneration Structure
The upward adjustment prioritizes junior ranks while extending substantial increases across the entire military hierarchy:
- Junior Officers & Enlisted Troops (Private to Staff Sergeant): Receive an 80% salary increase.
- Mid-Level Officers & Senior NCOs (Warrant Officer to Colonel): Receive a 50% salary increase.
- Senior Command & Generals (Brigadier-General to General): Receive a 30% salary increase.
Fiscal Impact and Presidential Commitment
The strategic pay raise expands the Federal Government’s annual military personnel wage bill from $\text{N}660\text{ billion}$ to $\text{N}924\text{ billion}$.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to troop welfare and national security, President Tinubu emphasized that military investments remain non-negotiable:
“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. 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.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
Armed Forces Remuneration Matrix
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2026
BENEFICIARIES: ~250,000 Military Personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force)
PAY RAISE SCALE: 80% (Private–Staff Sergeant) | 50% (WO–Colonel) | 30% (Brig Gen–General)
ANNUAL WAGE BILL: Increased from ₦660 Billion to ₦924 Billion
ANNOUNCED BY: Bayo Onanuga (Special Adviser on Information & Strategy)
