President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant salary increase for members of Nigeria’s armed forces, with adjustments ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, effective September 1.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who noted that approximately 250,000 personnel would benefit from the new pay structure.

According to the statement, officers above the rank of colonel, including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

 

Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer rank are to benefit from a 50 per cent increment, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will enjoy an 80 per cent increase.

Onanuga stated that the President has consistently commended the bravery and sacrifices of military personnel in tackling security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.

He added that the new salary package would raise the annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

“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,” the statement read.

It further emphasized the administration’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare and modernising the military through the provision of advanced weapons and technological tools.

The President also reiterated that national security remains central to Nigeria’s development, stressing the government’s resolve to deploy all available military and law enforcement resources to combat threats and safeguard lives and property.

Tinubu urged members of the armed forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation of their service, expressing confidence that the country would overcome its security challenges.