President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has approved a new salary structure for members of the Armed Forces, a move that will increase the Federal Government’s annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
The salary review, announced on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, will take effect from September 1 and benefit about 250,000 military personnel nationwide.
Under the new structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest salary increase of 80 per cent, while officers from Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increment.
Senior officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Onanuga said the salary adjustment reflects the administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare in recognition of the sacrifices of military personnel in combating banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across the country.
He quoted Tinubu as saying that members of the armed forces who risk their lives to safeguard the nation deserve adequate support and appreciation.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to modernising the military through improved welfare, enhanced weaponry and advanced technology to strengthen national security.
Tinubu maintained that no nation can achieve sustainable development without security, assuring military personnel of the Federal Government’s continued support in protecting lives and property.
