In a major boost to national security and personnel welfare, the federal government has unlocked a N924 billion defence budget to fund a sweeping remuneration overhaul aimed at bolstering morale across the ranks.
The approved salary increase ranges from 30 to 80 percent on Tuesday by the Nigerian government military personnel, pushing the yearly budget allocation for Nigerian Armed Forces to N924 billion against the previous N660 billion allocation.
Under the new arrangement, officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals, and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase, effective September 1, 2026 implementation timeline.
The Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said Personnel explained that military personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increment.
Onanuga, described the gesture as a reward for sacrifices of personnel of the Armed Forces in keeping the nation safe.
He explained that the adjustment by the federal government, was structured according to rank, with junior personnel receiving the highest percentage increase.
250,000 military personnel are expected to benefit from the salary adjustment scale as added impetus to military personnel in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in Nigeria.
“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,” according to President Tinubu.
