President Bola Tinubu approves a new salary increase for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, with raises ranging from 30% to 80%. Multiple outlets report the package is announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and is set to take effect on September 1, 2026. The changes are expected to benefit about 250,000 service members.
The reports describe a tiered structure that links the percentage increase to rank. One outlet says officers above colonel receive 30%, personnel from colonel to warrant officer get 50%, and privates up to staff sergeants receive 80%. Coverage also links the decision to troop welfare and the government’s security priorities, including ongoing operations against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Outlets differ mainly in emphasis. Premium Times and Nigerian Eye highlight legislative and policy reactions, including support from the House of Representatives’ defence committee. Vanguard and other accounts include statements from defence officials and former lawmakers framing the pay rise as a morale and welfare boost, while one report also notes an increase in the annual armed forces salary bill.