President Bola Tinubu has authorized a compensation bump ranging from 30 to 80 percent for Nigeria’s Armed Forces, a decision set to positively impact approximately 250,000 service members.
The updated wage adjustments, scheduled to take effect on September 1, were revealed in a official Tuesday statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Under the updated scale, high-ranking officers above the rank of colonel, encompassing Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and Generals, are designated to receive a 30 percent pay hike.
Military personnel spanning from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will obtain a 50 percent boost, while lower ranks from private up to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 percent raise.
This adjustment in military earnings will push the country’s annual defense payroll up from N660 billion to N924 billion.
Onanuga explained that the commander-in-chief authorized these salary increases to acknowledge the bravery and ongoing sacrifices made by service members confronting banditry, kidnapping, and violent extremism nationwide.
“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.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” the statement cited the president.
