Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Pay Rise for Military as Security Challenges Persist

President Bola Tinubu has approved major salary increases for Nigeria’s armed forces, effective September 1.

Under the new structure, soldiers from private to staff sergeant will get an 80% raise, officers from colonel to warrant officer get 50%, and generals get 30%. The annual wage bill will rise to ₦924 billion from ₦660 billion.

The move comes as Nigeria battles Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast, bandit gangs in the northwest, and kidnapping rings in the north-central. 

Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga said the pay rise is part of efforts to modernize the military and prioritize troop welfare. Successive governments have struggled to contain insecurity despite increased spending.