President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with about 250,000 military personnel expected to benefit from the new pay structure.
The salary adjustment, which will take effect from September 1, was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Under the new arrangement, officers above the rank of colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel between the ranks of colonel and warrant officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while lower-ranking personnel from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay rise.
The presidency said the adjustment will increase the annual wage bill of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Onanuga explained that the salary review was approved in recognition of the commitment and sacrifices of military personnel involved in tackling insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.
“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.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.
“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.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” Onanuga quoted the president as saying.
The presidency added that the move is part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve the welfare of security personnel and strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.