President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of 30 to 80 percent for about 250,000 Nigerian armed forces personnel, effective September 1, 2026.
The announcement came in a State House press release posted on X by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga on August 4.
Officers above colonel, including generals, receive a 30 percent rise. Personnel from colonel to warrant officer get 50 percent. Privates to staff sergeants gain 80 percent.
The annual wage bill will climb from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, or about $679 million.
Nigeria continues to battle Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast, armed bandits in the northwest, and widespread ransom kidnappings.
Recent months have seen mass abductions, deadly raids, and ongoing operations that strain troops across multiple regions.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” Tinubu said in the statement.
He pledged continued prioritization of troop welfare and modernization with better weapons and technology.
“No nation can achieve greatness without security,” he added, urging service members to view the raise as appreciation.
Junior ranks, who form the bulk of frontline forces, receive the largest percentage boosts under the graded structure.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa welcomed the package as a major morale booster that would renew operational commitment.
Successive governments have struggled to contain insecurity despite deployments and spending, with attacks continuing to affect communities.
Previous pay levels for lower ranks remained modest amid economic pressures and high operational risks.
The new package forms part of broader efforts to improve welfare while addressing threats that undermine national stability.
