Tinubu Approves Historic 30–80% Military Pay Rise, N924bn Annual Wage Bill

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Approves Historic 30–80% Military Pay Rise, N924bn Annual Wage Bill

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the decision as “a landmark demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, morale and operational effectiveness of the gallant officers and men who continue to make immense sacrifices in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” In a statement issued on Tuesday, Matawalle said the review of military salaries had remained a priority since the inception of the current administration, adding that he personally championed the initiative within government. He thanked President Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare of military personnel. “It is a clear reflection of your passion for building a motivated, resilient and highly professional Armed Forces capable of effectively addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” he said. The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Under the tiered arrangement, the lowest-paid private is expected to earn about N187,000 monthly, a significant increase from the previous N104,000. The annual wage bill for the armed forces will rise from N660 billion to N924 billion, reflecting an additional N264 billion in personnel costs.

Matawalle provided the following breakdown of the salary increases: personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80% increase; personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50% increase; and senior officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-General, Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General, will receive a 30% increase. The tiered approach reflects the administration’s recognition that lower-ranking personnel, who bear the brunt of frontline combat operations, require the most substantial uplift in remuneration. This differentiated structure ensures that those at the base of the military pyramid receive the largest proportional increase.

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Quoting President Tinubu, the minister said: “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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare while accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces through improved weapons systems and technological capabilities. The salary review forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve the welfare of troops engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping, and other internal security operations nationwide. Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges across different regions, including Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and kidnapping-for-ransom in parts of the north-central, as well as separatist-linked violence in the southeast.

The salary increment follows recent efforts by the Tinubu administration to address long-standing welfare concerns within the armed forces. In December 2024, following protests by military retirees at the Federal Ministry of Finance, President Tinubu directed the release of funds for the payment of pension arrears and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel. Matawalle had praised the president at the time for facilitating the immediate payment of the three-month salary increase and the release of funds to settle pension arrears and other entitlements. The minister acknowledged the efforts and support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who was committed to actualising the payments. The previous salary increment for military personnel ranged between 20 and 28 per cent, covering January to November 2024. Retirees had also demanded overdue payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and the refund of pension deductions made from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.

The minister also assured that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel while strengthening the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern weapons, equipment and advanced technological capabilities. In line with this commitment, the Ministry has pursued strategic initiatives including a Memorandum of Understanding and joint venture agreement for the establishment of an ammunition production factory in Nigeria. Matawalle has promised that before the expiration of the president’s four-year term, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) will begin exporting its military capabilities. This initiative is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign arms imports, save foreign exchange, and position the country as a regional defence manufacturing hub.

Matawalle urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as recognition of their sacrifices and a renewed call to service. “I urge our servicemen to take this 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,” he said. The minister’s call for renewed commitment comes at a time when the military faces multiple fronts in the fight against insecurity. The salary increase is expected to significantly boost troop morale, improve retention rates, and enhance the overall operational effectiveness of the armed forces in confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.

The latest salary hike is expected to significantly boost troop morale and improve retention rates within the armed forces. Matawalle has consistently emphasised that the Tinubu administration is committed to enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment, timely payment of allowances, and salary increases. With the new salary structure taking effect from September 2026, military personnel across all ranks stand to benefit significantly from the administration’s renewed focus on welfare and operational effectiveness. The federal government has urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties while assuring them of continued support in combating insecurity across the nation.