Tinubu Approves Historic Salary Hike for Armed Forces

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a significant salary increment for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel, ranging from 30 to 80 percent. This increment, effective from September 1, 2026, will affect around 250,000 personnel across all military services.

The salary structure includes an 80 percent increase for junior ranks (Private to Staff Sergeant), a 50 percent increase for middle-tier officers and non-commissioned officers (Warrant Officer to Colonel), and a 30 percent increase for senior military leadership. General Musa described this decision as a morale booster and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to security sector reform.

The annual personnel cost will rise from N660 billion to N924 billion, reflecting a prioritization of the welfare of troops. The Ministry of Defence urged military personnel to view this enhancement as a renewed call to duty in addressing national security threats.