President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many welcoming the development while others questioned the military’s performance and called for similar relief for other public sector workers.
The new salary structure, announced in a State House statement on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel and takes effect from September 1, 2026.
Under the 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 from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.
The adjustment raises the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
President Tinubu said the increase reflects his administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats 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 pledged to continue prioritising troop welfare while providing modern weapons and technological tools to enhance military operations.
“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,” he added.
The announcement immediately generated reactions on social media and among public affairs commentators.
Many Nigerians described the salary increase as long overdue, arguing that soldiers operating in difficult terrains and confronting heavily armed insurgents and criminal gangs deserve improved remuneration and welfare.
Some commentators expressed optimism that better pay could boost morale, reduce attrition and improve operational effectiveness within the armed forces.
However, others questioned whether the salary increase should have been tied to improved security outcomes.
They argued that despite years of military operations, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping continue to affect many parts of the country, with some saying the armed forces should intensify efforts to justify the improved wages through greater success in restoring security.
Another group of Nigerians urged the Federal Government to extend similar salary reviews to other categories of public servants.
They noted that civil servants, teachers, healthcare workers and other government employees are also grappling with rising living costs and the economic hardship associated with recent government reforms.
According to them, while improving the welfare of military personnel is commendable, broader salary adjustments across the public sector would help cushion the impact of inflation and rising prices on millions of Nigerian workers.
The salary increase is one of the largest welfare packages announced for the armed forces in recent years and comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen security and improve the welfare of security personnel.
