President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay rises ranging from 30 to 80 percent across all ranks.
The new salary structure, which will take effect from September 1, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Under the approved package, soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increase of up to 80 per cent. Personnel from Colonel down to Warrant Officer will get a 50 per cent raise, while officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.
The review will raise the federal government’s annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
The Presidency said the move is aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel serving across the country, particularly those involved in frontline operations against insurgency, banditry and other internal security threats.
Describing the decision as one of the most far-reaching welfare interventions for military personnel in recent years, the statement said the Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening the conditions of service for members of the Armed Forces.
President Tinubu said the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops must be matched with better welfare, improved equipment and sustained investment in the nation’s security architecture.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.
He added that his administration would continue to modernise the Armed Forces by providing the weapons and technological tools required for effective operations.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
Tinubu urged military personnel to see the salary review as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice.
“I urge our servicemen and women to take this gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation for the services they render to our fatherland. Together, we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said
