BREAKING: Tinubu approves 30% to 80% salary hike for armed forces personnel

President Bola Tinubu has announced a significant salary increase for Nigeria's armed forces personnel, ranging from 30% to 80%. Approximately 250,000 personnel will benefit from this pay package, which will begin on September 1, 2026. The increase is structured based on rank, with higher percentages for junior officers and lower percentages for senior officers.

Officers above the rank of colonel will receive a 30% raise, while those from colonel down to warrant officer will see a 50% increase. Personnel from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80%. The total annual salary bill for the armed forces is projected to rise from N660 billion to N924 billion, an increase of N264 billion.

President Tinubu emphasized that the pay rise is a direct response to the sacrifices made by personnel in combating banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He stressed that the safety and welfare of citizens should be a top priority for the administration, and the military will continue to be modernized with necessary weapons and technology.

Tinubu linked the salary increase to his administration's broader philosophy on national security, affirming the commitment to eliminate security threats and protect the nation.