President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don approve massive salary increase for officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with some military personnel set to enjoy salary raise wey reach 80 per cent.

The new salary package, according to statement wey Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga release on Tuesday, go start from September 1, 2026.

The Presidency reveal say about 250,000 soldiers and officers across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force go benefit from the fresh salary adjustment.

Under the new arrangement, senior military officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and full Generals, go receive 30 per cent salary increase.

Officers from Colonel down to Warrant Officer go enjoy 50 per cent increase, while junior soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant — wey form the bulk of troops wey dey frontline — go collect the highest increment of 80 per cent.

The salary review go push the military annual wage bill from about ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, meaning Federal Government go spend extra ₦264 billion every year on soldiers’ salaries.

The development come as Nigerian troops continue to battle Boko Haram terrorists, ISWAP fighters, bandits and kidnappers across different parts of the country, especially for the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.

For years, many soldiers wey dey frontline don complain about poor welfare, low salaries and difficult working conditions despite the dangerous operations wey dem dey carry out daily.

Although the Presidency never release the full salary structure yet, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, earlier reveal say the minimum monthly salary for the lowest-ranked soldier don already rise from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 under Tinubu administration.

However, government never clearly explain whether that increase na part of this latest salary review or if na separate welfare package.

According to the Presidency, the decision na part of wider efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel and boost their morale as dem continue to defend the country against insecurity.

Apart from salary increase, the Federal Government say e still dey invest heavily in weapons, military equipment, technology and operational support to strengthen the Armed Forces.

Explaining the reason behind the approval, President Tinubu say Nigerian soldiers deserve better support because of the sacrifices wey dem dey make to protect lives and property across the country.

“The men and women wey dey keep us safe for our houses deserve support and appreciation as dem dey serve the nation,” Tinubu talk.

The President also assure military personnel say his administration go continue to put their welfare first while providing modern weapons and technology needed to defeat security threats.

According to am, no country fit achieve real progress without security.

“We remain committed to using every military and law enforcement resource available to wipe out security threats and protect Nigerians,” the President add.

Tinubu further encourage members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as proof say government appreciate their dedication and sacrifice, expressing confidence say Nigerian troops go eventually defeat every group wey dey threaten the peace and stability of the country.