Tinubu gives soldiers up to 80% salary boost

President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 percent for Nigerian soldiers. This move will increase the federal government’s military wage bill by N264 billion as the country continues to fight terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

This information was shared in a statement on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. He mentioned that the new pay structure will start from 1 September.

The presidency said about 250,000 military personnel will benefit from this salary review. While they did not clarify the number, it likely includes active members of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force who are on the federal payroll.

The total size of the military is not officially stated. Still, public estimates suggest that Nigeria has around 230,000 active military personnel.

Under the new pay structure, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals, and generals, will see a 30 percent salary increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will get a 50 percent increase, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80 percent.

According to the presidency, this revised pay package will raise the armed forces’ yearly salary from N660 billion to N924 billion. This means an extra N264 billion in personnel costs.

The increase results in an overall 40 percent rise in the military wage bill. However, the actual increase for each personnel will depend on their rank.

Junior soldiers, who are a significant part of the military’s frontline force, will receive the largest percentage increase. This shows that the government wants to improve pay for those most involved in combat operations.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that troops on the frontlines have complained about poor welfare. The presidency has not yet released the new salary table.

Earlier, Defence Minister Christopher Musa said that the minimum monthly pay for the lowest-ranked soldier increased from N49,000 to N100,000 under Tinubu's administration. It is unclear if this increase is part of the newly approved salary review or if it happened earlier.

The presidency has also not shared the new salary figures from this latest adjustment that takes effect on 1 September. This announcement comes as Nigerian troops are involved in ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.

These operations are particularly active in the North-east, North-west, and North-central regions. Here, soldiers are facing Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and kidnappers.

The salary increase is part of Tinubu's broader plan to improve troop welfare. This includes better military equipment, weapons procurement, and technology aimed at enhancing effectiveness.

While announcing the decision, Mr Onanuga said President Tinubu believes that armed forces members deserve more support for their sacrifices.

“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,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying.

The president added that his administration will keep prioritizing troop welfare while modernizing the armed forces. This includes providing the weapons and technology needed to tackle security challenges.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We are committed to using all military and law enforcement resources to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Tinubu encouraged military personnel to see the salary increase as a sign of the government’s appreciation for their service. He expressed confidence that the armed forces will overcome groups that threaten the country’s security.