Military Salary Boost Takes Effect As Personnel Begin Receiving Increased Pay

Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have started receiving the new salary increases approved by President Bola Tinubu, according to the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Olusegun confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, saying the implementation of the revised salary structure had commenced. The Army spokesperson, Onyechi Anele, and a source at the Defence Headquarters also confirmed that military personnel had begun receiving the increased pay.

The salary adjustment follows the approval announced by the Presidency in August and took effect from September 1, 2026. The revised package provides salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, depending on the rank of the beneficiary.

Under the new structure, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, are entitled to a 30 per cent increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer are to receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant are entitled to an 80 per cent increase.

About 250,000 members of the Armed Forces are expected to benefit from the new salary package. The Federal Government’s annual salary bill for military personnel is also projected to increase from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion under the revised structure.

Olusegun said the implementation of the new pay package is expected to contribute to improved morale among military personnel, particularly those serving in frontline operations against insecurity across the country.

The salary review was approved as part of broader measures to improve the welfare and conditions of service of members of the Armed Forces. The Presidency said the adjustment was intended to recognise the sacrifices of military personnel involved in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The development means the revised salary structure approved in August has now moved into implementation, with affected personnel beginning to receive the increased remuneration from September 2026.