The Federal Government has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with monthly pay set to increase significantly across different ranks from September 1, 2026.
Under the new structure approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a private soldier will earn about ₦187,200 monthly, while a general will receive up to ₦3.25 million.
The salary adjustment, which will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, provides increases ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent, depending on rank. The annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces is expected to rise from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Personnel from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while privates through staff sergeants will receive an 80 per cent increase. Officers above the rank of colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase.
New Monthly Salaries
Under the revised structure:
- Private: ₦187,200, up from ₦104,000
- Lance Corporal: ₦201,600, up from ₦112,000
- Corporal: ₦207,000, up from ₦115,000
- Sergeant: ₦225,000, up from ₦125,000
- Staff Sergeant: ₦270,000, up from ₦150,000
- Warrant Officer: ₦255,000, up from ₦170,000
- Master Warrant Officer: ₦315,000, up from ₦210,000
- Army Warrant Officer: ₦345,000, up from ₦230,000
- Second Lieutenant: ₦360,000, up from ₦240,000
- Lieutenant: ₦420,000, up from ₦280,000
- Captain: ₦480,000, up from ₦320,000
- Major: ₦570,000, up from ₦380,000
- Lieutenant Colonel: ₦630,000, up from ₦420,000
- Colonel: ₦870,000, up from ₦580,000
- Brigadier-General: ₦975,000, up from ₦750,000
- Major-General: ₦1.495 million, up from ₦1.15 million
- Lieutenant-General: ₦2.47 million, up from ₦1.9 million
- General: ₦3.25 million, up from ₦2.5 million
President Tinubu said the increase was intended to recognise the sacrifices of military personnel fighting terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
He said the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of troops while modernising the Armed Forces through improved weapons, equipment and technology.
Allowances and Other Benefits
The military compensation package goes beyond basic salaries. Personnel may also receive various allowances, including housing, transport, leave, uniform maintenance, hazard, utility, meal and other duty-related allowances.
Those deployed on specialised operations, including counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions, may also qualify for additional allowances subject to existing regulations.
Pay Still Lower Than Some African Countries
Despite the salary increase, civil society organisations and some military personnel have argued that the new pay may still be insufficient given Nigeria's rising cost of living.
Comparisons cited in the report indicate that entry-level military personnel in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Togo, Niger Republic, Benin Republic, Senegal and Cameroon may earn more than their Nigerian counterparts.
The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, said the success of the salary increase should be measured by its impact on the purchasing power and living standards of military personnel and their families.
He urged the government to regularly review military compensation in line with inflation and the actual cost of living.
Soldiers Call for Better Welfare
Some military personnel who spoke anonymously welcomed the salary increase but said inflation, accommodation costs, school fees and other expenses continue to put pressure on their incomes.
One soldier said the value of the salary was more important than the nominal increase, arguing that rising prices could reduce the real benefit of the new pay.
Others called for improved accommodation, healthcare, pensions, family support and better incentives for personnel serving in dangerous areas.
Some soldiers also raised concerns about long deployments in conflict-affected areas and called for greater fairness in postings and improved motivation for personnel.
The Defence Headquarters said it aligned with statements already issued by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding the salary increase.
Musa previously described the salary adjustment as a major morale boost for the Armed Forces, saying the government’s increased investment in troop welfare should encourage personnel to intensify their efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The new salary structure takes effect on September 1, 2026.
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