ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, granting pay increases ranging from 30% to 80% for approximately 250,000 military personnel.
The revised salary package is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit officers and enlisted personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Under the new structure, officers above the rank of colonel will receive a 30% salary increase, while personnel in other ranks will receive higher percentage adjustments, with some categories eligible for increases of up to 80%. The government said the revised pay scale is part of broader efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel and recognize their service to the nation.
The salary adjustment comes as Nigeria’s Armed Forces continue to carry out operations against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, piracy, and other security threats in various parts of the country. Military personnel have long advocated for improved welfare, including better salaries, allowances, and support services to reflect the demands of their duties.
Government officials say the new compensation package is intended to strengthen the welfare of service members while enhancing the effectiveness of the country’s security institutions. Improved remuneration is expected to support efforts to maintain a motivated and professional military capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The decision also represents one of the most significant changes to military compensation in recent years and reflects the federal government’s continued investment in the country’s defense sector. The implementation of the new salary structure will require additional budgetary resources as the government balances national security priorities with broader fiscal and economic objectives.
The revised salaries will officially take effect on September 1, 2026, with the new pay structure applying to eligible personnel across all branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces.