Tinubu approves up to 80% salary increase for Nigerian soldiers

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant salary increase for Nigeria's Armed Forces, ranging from 30% to 80%, which will take effect on September 1. This measure is intended to improve the welfare of military personnel as the nation continues to grapple with persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

The pay review is projected to raise the federal government's annual military wage bill by N264 billion. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed that an estimated 250,000 personnel are expected to benefit from this salary adjustment. While the exact number of active military personnel is not publicly disclosed, estimates place Nigeria's active military strength at around 230,000.

The salary structure has been revised by rank. Officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals, and generals, will receive a 30% increase. Personnel from colonel to warrant officer will see a 50% rise. Soldiers from private to staff sergeant will receive the most substantial adjustment, an 80% increase. This tiered approach suggests a strategic focus on providing the largest pay improvements to junior soldiers, who constitute a significant portion of the frontline fighting force actively engaged in combat operations.

This salary adjustment is part of the Tinubu administration's broader strategy to enhance troop welfare, complementing investments in military equipment, weapons procurement, and technology aimed at bolstering operational effectiveness. The announcement comes amid ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations across various regions of Nigeria, where troops are confronting numerous armed groups. Reports have highlighted complaints from troops on the frontlines regarding poor welfare conditions, making this salary increase a critical measure to address morale and retention within the armed forces.

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The pay review will take effect from 1 September.