The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals topping the scale at an annual gross pensionable salary of N29.75m.
The approval, contained in a September 3, 2026 circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, takes effect from September 1 and covers personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The circular, signed by the commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Major General Junaidu Bindawa (retd.), said the review followed President Bola Tinubu’s approval and was carried out in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Under the new structure, Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals will have annual pensionable salaries ranging from N21.90m to N29.75m, depending on salary steps. Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals and Air Marshals will earn between N17m and N25.91m for pension purposes.
Major Generals, Rear Admirals and Air Vice Marshals will have pensionable salaries ranging from N14.98m to N23.90m, while Brigadier Generals, Commodores and Air Commodores will receive between N13.86m and N16.39m annually.
At the lower ranks, Colonels, Captains and Group Captains will have pensionable salaries of between N8.31m and N9.49m, while Privates, Ordinary Seamen and Aircraftmen will have figures ranging from N2.28m to N2.49m.
The commission stressed that the approved figures are for pension purposes only and should not be interpreted as the monthly take-home pay of serving personnel.
The development follows a separate Federal Government review of the remuneration of Armed Forces personnel, which provided differentiated salary increases across the ranks, with junior personnel reportedly receiving the highest percentage adjustments.
Security experts welcomed the pension review. Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security, Abdullahi Jabi, said improved remuneration could motivate troops and strengthen the fight against insecurity, while urging the government to extend welfare provisions to housing, healthcare, transportation and education for military families.
Security analyst Chidi Omeje also described the review as justified, noting that military personnel routinely risk their lives in conflict zones and deserve stronger remuneration and retirement benefits.
Section 173(3) of the Constitution provides for the review of pensions every five years or alongside any review of public servants’ salaries, whichever is earlier.