Tinubu approves significant pay rise for Nigerian troops; doctors suspend strike

President Bola Tinubu's administration has announced a significant pay rise for Nigerian military personnel, aiming to boost morale and potentially improve retention within the armed forces.

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Junior soldiers stand to gain the most from a new 30 to 80 per cent salary increase approved by President Tinubu for about 250,000 Armed Forces personnel.

The approval grants an increase of 30% to 80% for about 250,000 troops, effective September 1. This measure will raise the military's annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion. While the government has made the announcement, serving personnel are reportedly reserving judgment until the salary adjustments are reflected in their accounts.

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The new structure, effective September 1, raises the military’s annual wage bill from N660bn to N924bn.

In parallel, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has extended its surrender policy to include armed groups operating in the South-East, South-South, and South-West of Nigeria. This initiative, previously focused on insurgents and bandits in the north, offers a pathway for militants to lay down their arms. However, the DHQ issued a stern warning that military operations will intensify for those who do not take advantage of the surrender window.

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Serving personnel say they will reserve judgment until the figures hit their accounts.

Separately, resident doctors have agreed to suspend their planned strike action, which was set to commence on August 10. This decision follows a late-night meeting at the Presidential Villa where the government reportedly provided firm commitments to address their grievances. The Nigerian police have also initiated investigations into corruption allegations. They have summoned a social media commentator known as VeryDarkMan to substantiate claims made against Assistant Inspector-General of Police Moshood Jimoh of Zone 2, Lagos. The AIG himself has also been called in for questioning regarding the allegations.

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The Defence Headquarters has extended its surrender policy to armed groups in the South-East, South-South and South-West; a window previously reserved for northern insurgents and bandits.