Nigerian military personnel have started receiving their September salaries under the new structure approved by President Bola Tinubu, with junior ranks reporting the full 80 per cent increase now reflected in their accounts.
The payments, which began appearing around the end of September and early October 2026, mark the practical start of the salary review that took effect from 1 September. About 250,000 officers and men of the Army, Navy and Air Force stand to benefit.
Under the approved package, personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant receive an 80 per cent increase.
Those from Warrant Officer to Colonel get 50 per cent, while officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals and Generals, receive 30 per cent.
Soldiers who spoke about the development said a Private who previously earned about ₦103,000 now takes home approximately ₦190,000. A Lance Corporal whose earlier pay was around ₦110,000 now receives about ₦202,000. One personnel member described the figures as matching the promised 80 per cent adjustment.
The Presidency announced the review on 4 August 2026 through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga. The statement explained that the changes would raise the annual Armed Forces wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion. President Tinubu linked the decision to the sacrifices of troops confronting terrorism, banditry and kidnapping 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 while modernising equipment and capabilities.
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd.) welcomed the approval, describing it as a historic boost that would strengthen morale among frontline troops. The Defence Headquarters has also confirmed that the revised salaries are now being paid.
Presidential aide Dada Olusegun separately verified that the new rates had begun reflecting, noting that the adjustment should lift the spirits of personnel engaged in ongoing security operations.
The review forms part of broader efforts to improve conditions for the military. It follows earlier adjustments to allowances and comes alongside plans to expand the Army’s structure and recruit additional personnel. Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including Islamist insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and widespread kidnappings.
The higher pay for junior ranks is expected to ease financial pressures on the majority of troops who carry out most operational duties. Exact figures for higher ranks vary according to grade and years of service, but the overall structure places the largest percentage gains at the lower end of the hierarchy.
As the new salaries settle into regular payment cycles, attention will turn to how the increased wage bill is sustained alongside equipment modernisation and further recruitment. For now, the immediate development is clear: the long-awaited salary review has moved from announcement to bank accounts.
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