Military Wage Bill Hits Nearly N1 Trillion as Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Pay Rise for Troops

…Baseline junior soldiers’ pay jumps to nearly ₦190,000 monthly as 250,000 personnel benefit

By Abu Adamu
In what is being described as the biggest salary review for Nigeria’s armed forces in years, President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping increase in the salaries of military personnel, with junior soldiers receiving up to an 80 per cent pay rise as part of efforts to boost troop welfare and strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.

The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 personnel across the Nigerian Armed Forces and raise the Federal Government’s annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

Under the new package, soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent, while personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will enjoy a 50 per cent increase. Senior officers from the rank of Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

The review means that a Nigerian Army Private, who currently earns a baseline monthly salary of about ₦104,000, will now earn approximately ₦187,200 from September, representing one of the most significant improvements in the earnings of junior military personnel in recent history.

The Presidency said the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops battling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country.

Announcing the approval on Tuesday, President Tinubu said members of the armed forces deserved better remuneration in recognition of the enormous sacrifices they continue to make in defence of the nation.

“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 President said.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together, we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation.”

Beyond the salary increase, military personnel will continue to enjoy a range of welfare benefits, including operational hazard allowances for combat deployments, rent-free accommodation in military barracks, subsidised utilities, and comprehensive healthcare for themselves and their immediate families.

The latest salary review comes amid sustained military operations against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal groups across several parts of the country, where troops have continued to bear the brunt of Nigeria’s security challenges.

Analysts say the enhanced remuneration could improve troop morale, aid recruitment and retention, and strengthen operational effectiveness, although they note that improved welfare must also be complemented by better equipment, intelligence, logistics, and continued investment in military capability if Nigeria is to achieve lasting security.