According to official communications released by Premium Times, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted approval for a major salary adjustment benefiting Nigerian military personnel, with increases ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent depending on rank. Under the newly sanctioned scale effective September 1, junior officers from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent boost, mid-tier ranks will see a 50 per cent rise, and senior officers above Colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase. The policy enhancement expands the federal annual salary commitment to the military from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
The policy intervention reflects federal efforts to strengthen security operations across volatile regions while reinforcing officer welfare. In public remarks explaining the fiscal adjustment, presidential aides emphasised that national stability depends heavily on adequately compensating front-line personnel confronting insurgency and criminal networks.
Validating the development, Daily Post cited Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who stated that “the men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties.” Concurrently, Vanguard reported that Minister of Defence Bello Matawalle praised the directive, noting that “the pay package will boost troops’ morale and increase operational efficiency across all theatres of deployment.”
Echotitbits take:
This targeted pay adjustment serves as a crucial strategic incentive for troops operating in high-risk conflict zones across the North-East and North-West. By slanting the largest percentage gains toward lower-ranking foot soldiers, the administration directly addresses long-standing welfare grievances. Stakeholders should monitor whether this budgetary expansion is accompanied by tighter accountability mechanisms in defense procurement and logistics management.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/900712-tinubu-approves-up-to-80-salary-increase-for-nigerian-soldiers.html, August 5, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
