Soldiers Begin Receiving 80% Salary Increase as New Pay Reflects in September Salaries

Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have begun receiving their September salaries with the recently approved salary increases reflected in their payments, the Defence Headquarters has confirmed. The development comes after President Bola Tinubu approved salary adjustments of between 30 per cent and 80 per cent for military personnel, with the new structure taking effect from September 1, 2026. The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that the salary review had started reflecting in the accounts of military personnel. According to reports, some soldiers have confirmed receiving their new salaries, with the highest percentage increase applying to junior personnel. Under the approved structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are to receive an 80 per cent increase. Personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of Colonel are to receive a 30 per cent increase. Some soldiers reportedly said the new salaries began appearing in their accounts on Wednesday evening. A Private who previously earned approximately ₦103,000 was reported to now receive about ₦190,000, while a Lance Corporal previously earning about ₦110,000 was reported to be receiving approximately ₦202,000. The Federal Government had earlier said about 250,000 Armed Forces personnel would benefit from the salary adjustment. The Presidency also disclosed that the annual salary bill for military personnel would rise from approximately ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion as a result of the new pay structure. The salary review is part of broader measures announced by the administration to improve the welfare and conditions of service of members of the Armed Forces. The development is particularly significant as Nigerian troops continue to participate in security operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other threats across the country. The salary increase, however, comes at a time when organised public-sector workers have commenced a three-day warning strike over economic hardship and other demands. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council scheduled its warning strike for October 2 to October 4, citing concerns over the rising cost of living, fuel prices and the purchasing power of workers. While the military salary adjustment has now begun reflecting in accounts, attention is expected to remain on how the broader economic situation affects workers and households across Nigeria.