West Africa: Nigeria Raises Military Pay Up to 80 Percent As Security Threats Persist
[Daba Finance] Nigeria will raise military salaries by as much as 80% from Sept. 1 as President Bola Tinubu seeks to improve troop welfare while the armed forces fight insurgents, armed gangs and kidnappers across the country. About 250,000 personnel will benefit from the new pay structure, according to the presidency.
Nigeria has announced a significant 80% increase in military salaries, set to take effect on September 1st, as President Bola Tinubu aims to boost troop welfare amid persistent security threats. The new pay structure will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel, with junior soldiers receiving the largest raises, followed by lower-ranking officers.
The government's annual military wage bill is expected to rise from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, adding an extra ₦264 billion in recurring expenses. While the salary hike aims to improve retention and morale, it also raises concerns about the cost and potential impact on personnel spending, especially as households face higher living costs due to fuel subsidy changes, currency fluctuations, and electricity prices.
The expanded army will comprise 12 divisions, with new units set to deploy in September, alongside a recruitment of 28,000 personnel. Tinubu emphasizes that the government will invest in weapons, technology, and working conditions alongside the higher salaries. The success of this policy hinges on whether the improved pay translates into enhanced retention and operational performance.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
