Nigerian Military Personnel Begin Receiving New Salaries After Tinubu’s Approval

Nigerian military personnel have started receiving their increased salaries approved by President Bola Tinubu, according to Dada Olusegun, the president’s special assistant on social media.

Onyechi Anele, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, and a source at the Defence Headquarters confirmed the development to TheCable on Thursday. Olusegun said the implementation of the new pay package had begun as approved by Tinubu.

“I can categorically confirm that personnels of the Nigerian Military have now started receiving their newly increased salaries as approved by President @officialABAT in August,” Olusegun said in a post on X.

The presidential aide said the new salaries are expected to improve the morale of military personnel, particularly those involved in operations against insecurity. The adjustment follows Tinubu’s approval of a new salary package for armed forces personnel in August.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, had said the salary increases would range from 30 to 80 per cent depending on rank. The package is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel and took effect from September 1.

Under the approved structure, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, are to receive a 30 per cent increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer are to receive a 50 per cent increase.

Those from private to staff sergeant are expected to receive the highest adjustment, at 80 per cent. The Federal Government said the new package would increase the annual salary bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.

The commencement of payments means military personnel are now beginning to receive the revised salaries months after the Federal Government announced the new package. The adjustment forms part of the government’s measures affecting the pay structure of members of the armed forces.