Some personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed that they have started receiving salaries reflecting the recently approved increases under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The development follows the implementation of the new salary structure, which provides an 80 per cent increase for junior military personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant.
The soldiers, who spoke on Thursday, said the revised salaries began reflecting in their bank accounts on Wednesday evening.
According to the personnel, a Private who previously earned about ₦103,000 now receives approximately ₦190,000, while a Lance Corporal whose previous salary was about ₦110,000 now receives around ₦202,000.
“Private soldiers ₦190k. Lance Corporal ₦202k, go on like that. It is exactly the 80 per cent as they promised,” one of the soldiers said.
The development confirms an earlier announcement by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, who said military personnel had begun receiving their newly increased salaries.
Olusegun disclosed this in a post on X on Thursday.
“I can categorically confirm that personnels of the Nigerian Military have now started receiving their newly increased salaries as approved by President @officialABAT in August,” he wrote.
He said the adjustment was expected to improve the morale of troops deployed in operations across the country.
“Another critical factor that is expected to boost the morale of our frontline forces as we continue to win the war against insecurity,” Olusegun added.
New Salary Structure
The salary adjustment follows President Tinubu’s approval in August of increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces.
The new salary structure took effect from September 1, 2026.
Under the approved arrangement, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are to receive an 80 per cent increase, while those from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase.
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Officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-General, Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General, are to receive a 30 per cent increase.
About 250,000 military personnel are expected to benefit from the new salary package.
The Presidency had said the adjustment would increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Announcing the approval, Tinubu said military personnel deserved greater support because of their role in combating 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,” he said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on August 4.
The President also said his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of troops while equipping the Armed Forces with weapons and technological tools needed for military operations.
Salary Review Follows Welfare Concerns
The implementation of the salary increase comes as Nigerian troops remain deployed in various operations against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The adjustment also follows previous reports of concerns among military personnel over salaries and allowances.
In September 2025, some Nigerian Army personnel reportedly raised concerns over alleged non-payment of allowances and what they described as inadequate salaries, calling for a review of their remuneration.
The soldiers also reportedly called for allowances to be reviewed in line with prevailing economic conditions.
The latest salary adjustment is therefore expected to change the remuneration structure for personnel across different ranks, with the largest percentage increase applying to junior military personnel.