New pay structure takes effect September 1 as government boosts troop welfare and military spending.
President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for members of Nigeria’s armed forces, with about 250,000 military personnel expected to benefit from the new pay package.
The salary review, which takes effect from September 1, was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Under the new salary structure, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent pay increase. Personnel from the rank of colonel to warrant officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary raise.
The revised package will increase the annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
According to the Presidency, the salary review was approved in recognition of the sacrifices and bravery of military personnel engaged in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops while strengthening the operational capacity of the armed forces through the provision of modern weapons and advanced technology. He stressed that national security remains central to the country’s development and assured that the government would continue mobilising military and law enforcement resources to combat security threats and protect lives and property.
The President also urged members of the armed forces to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and dedication to the nation, expressing confidence that Nigeria would overcome the security challenges confronting the country.