Nigeria Raises Soldiers' Salaries by Up to 80% Amid Mounting Security Threats

President Bola Tinubu has approved a substantial pay increase for members of the Nigerian armed forces as the country battles a range of security threats. The new salary structure, announced on Tuesday, will see the lowest-ranking soldiers receive an 80 per cent rise, while senior officers above the rank of colonel will get a 30 per cent increase. Personnel between the ranks of private and sergeant will benefit from the highest increment, with those from warrant officer to lieutenant receiving a 50 per cent rise. The scheme takes effect on 1 September.

Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga stated that the adjustment will push the military’s total annual wage bill to 924 billion naira (approximately US$678.68 million), up from 660 billion naira previously. The decision comes as security forces continue to face persistent attacks from insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in the northeast, as well as armed criminal gangs in the northwest. Kidnapping for ransom has also become rampant in parts of the north-central region, while separatist violence flares periodically in the southeast.

President Tinubu emphasised that his administration remains committed to prioritising the welfare of troops. He also pledged to continue modernising the armed forces by providing the necessary weapons and technology to tackle the evolving security challenges facing the nation.