In one of the most significant welfare interventions for Nigeria’s Armed Forces in recent years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a comprehensive salary review that will see about 250,000 military personnel receive pay increases of between 30 and 80 per cent, alongside a broader package aimed at improving the welfare, operational capacity and morale of the nation’s troops.
The new salary structure, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy takes effect from September 1, and reflects the administration’s resolve to reward the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who continue to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security challenges across the country.
Under the approved package, officers above the rank of Colonel—including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent increase in their salaries.
Personnel from Lieutenant Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while the largest adjustment of 80 per cent is reserved for personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant, a move designed to significantly improve the welfare of junior ranks who form the backbone of military operations nationwide.
The salary review is expected to increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from approximately ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing one of the largest investments in military personnel welfare in recent times.
Beyond the salary adjustment, the Federal Government has continued to implement complementary welfare measures for military personnel. These include improved accommodation, enhanced military allowances, accelerated procurement of modern weapons and equipment, investment in advanced technology for military operations, and the settlement of outstanding entitlements and pensions for retired personnel.
The initiatives, Onanuga adds, underscore President Tinubu’s, commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces through improved welfare, enhanced operational readiness and sustained investment in national security.
President Tinubu said the welfare of members of the Armed Forces remains central to his administration’s security agenda.
“The men and women who risk their lives daily to keep Nigerians safe deserve the full support and appreciation of the nation,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to modernise the military by providing the equipment, technology and resources required to effectively combat emerging security threats.
“No nation can attain lasting peace, development and prosperity without a capable and motivated military. Our administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of our troops while strengthening their operational capacity to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria,” the President stated.
He urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to remain steadfast in their constitutional responsibilities, assuring them that the Federal Government would continue to stand firmly behind them.
“I encourage our servicemen and women to regard these measures as an expression of our profound appreciation for their patriotism, courage and sacrifice. Together, we shall overcome every threat to our peace, unity and national development.”
The latest intervention has been widely viewed as a landmark step towards improving troop morale and reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to building a professional, motivated and better-equipped military capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.