Nigerian soldiers are set to receive a salary increase of up to 80% as President Bola Tinubu steps up efforts to strengthen the country’s security and improve the welfare of military personnel battling armed groups across the nation.
The latest Nigerian soldiers pay rise comes just weeks after the government approved an earlier salary adjustment in July. Under the new package, the monthly salary of privates :
The military’s lowest-ranking personnel will increase from $73 to $132 beginning in September 2026.
According to President Tinubu, the pay review reflects the government’s appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in tackling banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other security threats.
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 in a statement.
He urged military personnel to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving their welfare while continuing the fight against criminal and extremist groups.
The Nigerian soldiers pay rise forms part of broader security reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. Last month, the President approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers and announced plans to establish four new army divisions to strengthen military operations nationwide.
The salary adjustments vary by rank, with privates to staff sergeants receiving an 80% increase, warrant officers to colonels receiving 50%, and brigadier generals to generals receiving a 30% rise.
The pay review is expected to increase Nigeria’s annual military wage bill from $484 million to $678 million.
Security remains one of the country’s biggest challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the military continuing operations against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed kidnapping gangs, separatist groups, and other violent actors operating across different parts of the country.
Retired Major General Bashir Galma welcomed the salary review, describing it as a long-awaited intervention. However, he expressed concern about whether future governments would be able to sustain the increased wage bill.
He also called for similar improvements in the welfare of other security agencies, stressing that national security depends on the collective efforts of all security services.
Beyond salaries, Galma urged the government to invest in better military equipment, including uniforms, boots, modern rifles, and advanced technology to improve the effectiveness of troops on the battlefield.
President Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s armed forces and ensuring they have the resources needed to respond effectively to evolving security threats. Under the reforms, the Nigerian Army will expand to 12 divisions across the country to improve coordination, intelligence sharing, and rapid response capabilities.
By : Rachael Djabakie