Nigerian soldiers have begun receiving payments under the Federal Government’s newly approved military salary structure, with the minimum monthly pay for the lowest-ranking personnel reportedly rising to about ₦187,000.
The reported development comes amid the implementation of the salary review approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The review provides for salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, depending on rank.
Key Highlights
- Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are reportedly receiving an 80 per cent salary increase.
- The new minimum monthly pay for a Private and equivalent ranks is reportedly about ₦187,000.
- Lance Corporals are expected to earn approximately ₦211,000 monthly.
- The annual military wage bill is projected to rise from about ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
- The salary review is expected to affect about 250,000 military personnel.
The revised pay structure reportedly took effect from September 1, 2026, with personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant receiving an 80 per cent increase.
Under the new arrangement, a Private and equivalent ranks are expected to earn about ₦187,000 monthly, while Lance Corporals are projected to receive approximately ₦211,000. Sergeants and equivalent ranks are expected to earn ₦216,000 and above.
The salary adjustment is expected to affect about 250,000 military personnel and increase the Federal Government’s annual military wage bill from approximately ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Read also:
- Tinubu Approves 80% Salary Increase For Military Personnel, Reveals New Pay Structure
- Soldiers Earn N100,000: Defence Minister Christopher Musa Reveals Salary Increase, Calls For Tougher Security Measures
- FG Approves Review Of Pension For Military
The review is part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and boost the morale of troops involved in operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The approved structure also covers senior military officers, although the percentage increases vary according to rank.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer are reportedly receiving a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of Colonel are receiving a 30 per cent increase.
The reported commencement of payments is expected to provide financial relief to military personnel and support efforts to improve the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
However, the reported commencement of the new payments and the specific salary figures remain unconfirmed at the time of filing this report.
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