President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with about 250,000 officers and soldiers expected to benefit from the new pay package.
The salary adjustment, which takes effect from September 1, will see officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, receive a 30 per cent increase.
Officers from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent salary increase, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the new salary structure will raise the annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in tackling 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,” the President said.
He added that the administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools required to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President also urged military personnel to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service.
“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,” he said.
