Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed that the newly approved salary increases have started reflecting in their accounts, with junior soldiers receiving an increase of up to 80 per cent.
The development was confirmed by the Defence Headquarters after military personnel began receiving their September salaries reflecting the revised pay structure approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed the implementation, saying the new payments represented the fulfilment of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.
Soldiers Confirm New Salaries
Some soldiers who spoke to SaharaReporters also confirmed that the new salaries began reflecting in their accounts on Wednesday evening.
According to the soldiers, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are receiving the approved 80 per cent increase.
One soldier reportedly said 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 approximately ₦202,000.
The reported figures are individual accounts from military personnel and should not be interpreted as an official salary table.
80% Increase For Junior Personnel
The salary adjustment was approved by Tinubu in August and took effect from September 1, 2026.
Under the new structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are to receive an 80 per cent increase, making them the category with the highest adjustment.
Personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, are to receive a 30 per cent increase.
About 250,000 Personnel To Benefit
The Presidency had earlier said about 250,000 Armed Forces personnel would benefit from the new salary package.
The adjustment is expected to increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in annual personnel expenditure.
The government said the review was part of efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel and recognise their role in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
DHQ Confirms Implementation
The confirmation from Defence Headquarters comes after the Presidency announced that the revised salaries had begun reaching military personnel.
Presidential aide Dada Olusegun also said military personnel had started receiving the increased salaries, describing the development as one expected to boost the morale of troops involved in operations across the country.
The implementation means the salary review approved in August is now being reflected in actual monthly payments to personnel, following its September 1 effective date.
The development comes as Nigerian troops remain deployed across various theatres of operation, including areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges.
