In brief
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an 80% pay increase for junior Nigerian soldiers, cutting the gap between domestic and international military salaries. The move follows earlier hikes for privates and aims to motivate troops confronting persistent security threats. An expanded budget will lift the army’s annual wage bill from $484 million to $678 million. The government continues to expand the force by creating additional divisions and enhancing equipment procurement.
President Bola Tinubu boosts junior soldiers' pay by 80% amid rising security threats
In an effort to reward courage and improve morale, Nigeria’s president has lifted the monthly wages of its lowest rank soldiers to $132, an 80% increase over the previous $73 rate.
This policy follows a July re‑roll out of salaries that raised privates’ pay from $36 to $73, and represents the second raise in a month for the armed forces.
The decision is part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to counter an escalating insurgency that includes Islamist militants, separatists and the notorious “bandit” groups that kidnap civilians for ransom.
In addition to the wage hike, the administration has ordered the recruitment of 28,000 new soldiers and the establishment of four new army divisions to strengthen coverage across the country.
Military officials say the new pay scale will raise the annual wage bill from $484 million to $678 million. Retired major general Bashir Galma applauded the raise but warned that future administrations could struggle to sustain the funding levels.
The pay increases are tiered across ranks: privates to staff sergeants receive 80%, warrant officers to colonels 50%, and brigadier generals to generals 30%.
Beyond salaries, the government is also working on upgrading uniforms, boots, and most critically, providing new rifles to address ongoing security challenges.
