Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed that the newly approved salary increases have started reflecting in their accounts. The development was confirmed by the Defence Headquarters after military personnel began receiving their September salaries reflecting the revised pay structure approved by President Bola Tinubu. This move is part of the Federal Government's commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed the implementation of the new salary structure. Soldiers who spoke to SaharaReporters also confirmed that the new salaries began reflecting in their accounts on Wednesday evening. According to the soldiers, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are receiving the approved 80 per cent increase.
Under the new structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are to receive an 80 per cent increase, making them the category with the highest adjustment. One soldier reportedly said a Private who previously earned about ₦103,000 now receives approximately ₦190,000, while a Lance Corporal whose previous salary was about ₦110,000 now receives approximately ₦202,000.
The salary adjustment was approved by Tinubu in August and took effect from September 1, 2026. Personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, are to receive a 30 per cent increase.
About 250,000 Armed Forces personnel are expected to benefit from the new salary package. The adjustment is expected to increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in annual personnel expenditure.
The government said the review was part of efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel and recognise their role in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country. The confirmation from Defence Headquarters comes after the Presidency announced that the revised salaries had begun reaching military personnel.
The implementation means the salary review approved in August is now being reflected in actual monthly payments to personnel, following its September 1 effective date. Presidential aide Dada Olusegun described the development as one expected to boost the morale of troops involved in operations across the country.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has approved an 80% salary increase for junior soldiers, effective from September 1, 2026.
- About 250,000 Armed Forces personnel are expected to benefit from the new salary package.
- The salary adjustment is expected to increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
