Tinubu Approves 30%–80% Salary Increase for Nigerian Armed Forces Personnel, Effective September 1, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a significant upward review of salaries for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with increases ranging from 30 percent to 80 percent depending on rank.
The new salary structure is scheduled to take effect from September 1, 2026, and is expected to improve the welfare of military personnel while strengthening morale across the armed forces.
According to the approved salary adjustment, officers above the rank of Colonel—including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals, and Generals—will receive a 30 percent salary increase.
Military personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 percent increase in their salaries.
The highest adjustment will apply to rank-and-file personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant, who will enjoy an 80 percent salary increase under the new pay structure.
The implementation of the revised salaries will significantly increase the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the armed forces. The total salary expenditure is projected to rise from ₦660 billion to approximately ₦924 billion annually.
The salary review reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and recognizing their contributions to national security. The new pay package is also expected to boost motivation, improve service conditions, and reinforce operational effectiveness across the military.
ALSO READ: Nigeria Customs Unveils Final Recruitment List, 3,852 Selected from 573,680 Applicants
With the revised salary structure set to commence in September 2026, thousands of military personnel across various ranks are expected to benefit from one of the most substantial salary adjustments in recent years.
