By Jelili Gbadamosi
Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Armed Forces, granting pay increases of between 30 and 80 per cent in a move aimed at improving troop welfare and strengthening the country’s security operations.
The salary adjustment, which will take effect from September 1, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across various ranks.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, officers from the rank of Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
The statement added that personnel from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increment of 80 per cent.
With the new salary structure, the Federal Government’s annual wage bill for the armed forces will rise from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
The Presidency said the approval reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in tackling banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security challenges across the country.
Tinubu reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare while providing modern weapons and technological equipment to enhance the operational capacity of the armed forces.
He also urged military personnel to see the salary increase as an expression of the nation’s appreciation for their dedication and service, assuring them of the government’s continued support in safeguarding lives and property.
