Tinubu approves up to 80% military pay rise, wage bill hits N924bn

Etim Ekpimah

President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces, raising the military’s annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion in a major boost to troop welfare.

The new pay structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

According to the Presidency, junior personnel from the rank of private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, while personnel from warrant officer to colonel will enjoy a 50 per cent rise. Senior officers from brigadier-general to general will receive a 30 per cent increase.

The Presidency said the review was aimed at rewarding the sacrifices made by troops in ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while improving morale across the services.

President Tinubu said military personnel deserved greater support for their role in safeguarding the country and maintaining national security.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” he said.

He added that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the Armed Forces through improved weaponry and technology.

The pay increase represents an additional N264 billion in annual personnel costs and is the most significant salary review approved for military personnel under the current administration.

Minister of Defence Christopher Musa welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards improving the welfare of service personnel and strengthening operational effectiveness.

Musa said the salary review would help reduce financial pressures on troops deployed in various theatres of operation and encourage greater commitment to duty.

The announcement was also welcomed by retired military officers, who described the increase as a morale booster capable of improving recruitment, retention and performance. However, they urged the Federal Government to complement the salary review with modern equipment, improved logistics, accommodation and healthcare.

Serving personnel reacted positively to the announcement but said implementation would determine its real impact.

Some officers noted that while the increase was encouraging, they would wait until the revised salaries were reflected in their accounts before celebrating.

Analysts say the review could help strengthen troop morale at a time when security forces remain engaged in operations against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.