Tinubu approves major pay rise for military personnel
President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant salary increase for the Armed Forces, raising the annual wage bill from N660bn to N924bn. The new pay structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, gives the highest increases to junior personnel, with some ranks receiving up to an 80 per cent boost. The move has been widely praised by retired and serving military officers, who see it as a morale booster and a step toward improving troop welfare. However, many stress that effective implementation and additional welfare measures are needed to address operational challenges.
What we know
- Bola Tinubu approved a salary increase of 30 to 80 per cent for about 250,000 Armed Forces personnel, effective from September 1, 2026.
- The annual wage bill for the military will rise from N660bn to N924bn, with the largest increases going to junior ranks.
- Retired and serving officers welcomed the move, calling it a major morale booster but emphasized the need for prompt implementation and complementary welfare improvements.
- The pay rise is intended to recognize the sacrifices of military personnel in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
- Lawmakers and defence officials commended the decision, linking it to recent efforts to modernize the military and expand Army divisions.
