Nigerian soldiers are set to receive higher salaries after President Bola Tinubu approved a new pay structure aimed at improving the welfare of troops deployed in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats facing the country.
The adjustment will benefit all ranks, with junior personnel receiving the largest increase. Private soldiers and staff sergeants will get an 80 per cent salary rise, while warrant officers up to colonels will receive a 50 per cent increase.
Senior officers, including brigadier generals up to generals, will get a 30 per cent salary adjustment under the new plan.
The latest increase follows an earlier review announced by the defence ministry in July, which had already raised the monthly earnings of privates from $36 to $73. With Tinubu’s approval, their pay will rise further to $132 from September.
The Nigerian government said the decision was a way of recognising the efforts of soldiers working under difficult conditions to protect citizens from armed groups.
In announcing the changes, Tinubu praised the courage of military personnel facing what he described as "the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism".
"The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation," he said in a statement.
"I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation."
The salary increase comes as Nigeria continues to battle several security challenges across different regions.
In the north-east, Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) remain active, carrying out attacks despite years of military operations. In other areas, armed criminal groups involved in kidnappings and raids continue to threaten communities, especially in the north-west and north-central regions.
The country is also dealing with separatist unrest in the south-east and violent disputes between farmers and herders over land.
As part of efforts to improve security, Tinubu recently approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers and ordered the creation of four new army divisions.
The expansion is expected to increase the army’s presence across the country, improve coordination between units and strengthen intelligence sharing as security agencies respond to emerging threats.
The new salary adjustments will increase Nigeria’s annual military wage bill from $484 million to $678 million.
Retired major general Bashir Galma welcomed the pay review, saying it addressed a concern that military personnel had raised for years.
"This is what we have been calling for a long time," Galma told the BBC.
However, he cautioned that maintaining the higher spending could become difficult for future administrations because of the increased financial commitment required.
He said other security agencies should also be considered for similar reviews, arguing that national security depends on the combined efforts of different forces.
"Keeping the country safe is a joint effort," he said.
Galma added that improving the lives of soldiers should also include better equipment and basic supplies, including uniforms, boots and modern rifles needed to respond to ongoing security threats.
Tinubu has maintained that his administration will continue investing in troop welfare while modernising the armed forces through improved weapons and technology.
Under the latest reforms, the Nigerian Army will operate with 12 divisions spread across the country as part of efforts to improve command structures, intelligence coordination and the speed of response to security incidents.