ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has approved a 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for about 250,000 Armed Forces personnel, raising the military’s annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion.
The new pay structure, effective September 1, 2026, grants the highest increase of 80 per cent to junior personnel from private to staff sergeant, 50 per cent to warrant officers to colonels, and 30 per cent to brigadier-generals to generals.
Announcing the package on Tuesday, the Presidency said the review was in recognition of troops’ sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the graduated structure scales inversely with rank, with the highest increases going to the most junior personnel.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated,” Tinubu said, adding that troop welfare and military modernisation would remain a priority.
Ex-military chiefs react
Retired senior military officers welcomed the increase, describing it as a morale booster while urging the government to complement it with modern weapons, improved logistics and better welfare packages.
Former Army spokesman, retired Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, said soldiers deserve to be among the best-paid public servants due to the hazardous nature of their duties.
“I don’t think the sacrifices or the life of a soldier can be quantified. An 80 per cent increment will go a long way, especially considering the inflationary trend in the country,” he said.
Retired Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi said the increase would boost morale, improve commitment and attract more recruits.
However, retired Brig. Gen. George Emdin urged caution, noting that previous welfare improvements had been undermined by poor implementation.
“Until we see the implementation, one cannot say much. Implementation has always been the issue,” he said.
Serving personnel respond
Serving military personnel welcomed the announcement but said they would wait until the increases reflect in their bank accounts.
One officer, speaking anonymously, said, “Until we start receiving it, we are not celebrating. Of course, it is the right move because poor welfare has been affecting recruitment.”
Another serving personnel said, “It’s good news, but it doesn’t call for jubilation yet. It is when the money starts hitting our bank accounts that we can celebrate.”
Senators commend Tinubu
Senate Committee on Army Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, praised the President for recognising troops’ sacrifices and said the Senate would work with the executive to ensure full implementation.
Former Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, described the review as a “compassionate and strategic intervention” and urged the military to reciprocate through professionalism and operational efficiency.