Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30% and 80% for members of the country’s armed forces, in a major welfare package aimed at boosting troop morale as Nigeria battles insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across multiple regions.
Under the new pay structure, effective September 1, junior soldiers from the rank of private to staff sergeant will receive an 80% salary increase, the largest percentage hike. Personnel from colonel to warrant officer will see a 50% raise, while senior officers above colonel rank, including brigadier-generals through generals, will receive a 30% increase.
The package will affect approximately 250,000 military personnel and increase the federal government’s annual wage bill for the armed forces from 660 billion naira ($485 million) to 924 billion naira ($679 million), representing an additional 264 billion naira ($194 million) per year. A private will now earn approximately 187,000 naira monthly under the revised structure.
The announcement was made by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, who said the salary review reflects Tinubu’s administration commitment to improving troop welfare in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel tackling security threats. A major in the army, for example, will now earn about 540,000 naira monthly, up from approximately 360,000 naira.
The pay rise comes as Nigeria faces persistent security challenges despite years of increased military deployments. Armed groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue operations in the northeast, while banditry and kidnapping-for-ransom plague the northwest and north-central regions. The military has also been deployed to contain communal violence in the Middle Belt.
Successive Nigerian governments have struggled to contain the multiple security crises, with attacks straining both security forces and civilian communities. The government has recently intensified military operations against ISWAP, including coordinated strikes with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) that killed senior militant leaders in May.
Security experts have welcomed the pay increase but called for broader reforms to address underlying issues including equipment shortages, intelligence gaps, and allegations of human rights abuses by troops. Analysts note that compensation alone cannot solve structural problems within the armed forces, though it may help reduce corruption and desertion among frontline soldiers.
The increase represents one of the largest single investments in military welfare in Nigeria’s recent history and signals the administration’s intent to prioritize defense spending amid mounting public pressure to address the deteriorating security situation.
Sources:
Reuters – Nigeria’s Tinubu approves military pay rise as security challenges persist
The Guardian Nigeria – Tinubu unveils major military welfare package, approves 80% pay rise for Soldiers
Premium Times – Tinubu approves up to 80% salary increase for Nigerian soldiers
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