President Bola Tinubu has authorized a massive salary overhaul for Nigeria’s armed forces, approving pay increases of up to 80 percent for military personnel across all ranks.
The new pay structure, which takes effect on September 1, 2026, will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel while the graduated salary structure is designed to heavily favor the troops on the frontlines.
Under the new arrangement, enlisted personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will see their salaries jump by 80 percent.
Meanwhile, personnel from Colonel down to Warrant Officer will receive a 50 percent increase, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel, including Generals, will get a 30 percent boost.
The comprehensive pay package is expected to raise the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, an increase of ₦264 billion.
The Mixed Public Response
The announcement has sparked widespread reactions across the country, with a significant divide in public sentiment.
While the political establishment largely welcomed the move, many citizens raised questions about equity and economic realities.
Many Nigerians praised the government for recognizing the immense sacrifices of frontline soldiers, particularly given the harsh economic conditions.
“Good Gesture… Minimum is 250K and goes up in line with the military’s rank. This should be commended,” noted one
user on the popular forum Nairaland, reflecting the view that the troops deserve better compensation for their service.
However, a strong counter-narrative emerged almost immediately, with critics questioning why similar salary increments were not being extended to other essential workers.
“What about the police too bcoz without increasing the police salary na continuous extortion be that,” a user commented, reflecting a broader sentiment that all security agencies should benefit equally.
Furthermore, concerns were raised about the broader economic impact and the timing of the increase.
Some citizens questioned why similar salary increments were not being
extended to civil servants, teachers, and other public sector workers, who are also struggling with the rising cost of living.
“What was he waiting for in the last three years?another user asked, highlighting the perception that the move was politically motivated rather than a timely intervention.
Others pointed out that the announcement comes three years into the current administration’s tenure, asking, “What was he waiting for in the last three years?”.
Strategic Move Amid Insecurity
The salary increase comes at a critical time as the country continues to grapple with multiple security challenges.
Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), remain active in the northeast, while heavily armed bandits operate across the northwest and kidnappings for ransom have become widespread in the north-central region.
Despite these critiques, the general consensus remains that the significant pay bump is a necessary step to ensure the welfare of the men and women defending the nation.
Lawmakers’ Perspectives
The political establishment, however, largely celebrated the development. Northern senators have warmly welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary intervention to boost
morale.
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, described the pay increase as a “timely morale booster” for troops battling insecurity.
“At a time when our troops are confronting the scourge of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism in different parts of the country, this welfare package will boost morale, restore dignity, and reaffirm that their service does not go unnoticed,” Yar’Adua stated.
Similarly, Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, called the salary review a “masterstroke of compassionate and strategic leadership.”
However, he also urged the armed forces to respond with greater professionalism, stressing that the increase in resources should lead to better synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Government’s Stance
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu linked the pay rise directly to the sacrifices made by military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
“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.”
The President also urged servicemen to view the gesture as a sign of the nation’s deep appreciation for their service, pledging that his administration would continue to prioritize troop welfare and modernize the armed forces with better weapons and technology.
