President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary increase of up to 80 percent for junior military personnel as part of efforts to improve troop welfare and strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
The latest adjustment comes just weeks after the Federal Government raised the monthly salary of privates from $36 to $73. Under the new directive, the lowest-ranking soldiers will begin earning $132 per month from September.
According to the presidency, the pay review is a recognition of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
President Tinubu said the government remains committed to supporting the men and women of the military, describing the salary increase as a demonstration of appreciation for their service and dedication to national security.
The new salary structure provides:
- 80% increase for privates to staff sergeants.
- 50% increase for warrant officers to colonels.
- 30% increase for brigadier generals to full generals.
The review is expected to increase the military’s annual wage bill from $484 million to $678 million.
Military analyst and retired Major General Bashir Galma welcomed the development, describing it as a long-awaited move. However, he expressed concerns about whether future administrations would be able to sustain the higher wage bill and urged the government to extend similar welfare improvements to other security agencies.
Galma also called for increased investment in military equipment, uniforms, boots and modern weapons, stressing that better working tools are just as important as improved salaries.
The salary increase forms part of the Federal Government’s broader security reforms, which include the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers, the establishment of four new army divisions, and continued investment in modern military equipment to enhance operations nationwide.
