FG Moves to Increase Military Salaries, Awaiting Legal Approval

The Federal Government has concluded plans to significantly increase the monthly salaries of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a move aimed at improving welfare and boosting morale among troops.

The proposed new salary structure, which is expected to take effect once it receives the necessary legal approval, will see both non-commissioned personnel and commissioned officers earning substantially higher monthly pay.

Under the proposed structure, a Private in the Nigerian military will begin earning about ₦300,000 monthly, while a Lance Corporal will receive ₦350,000 and a Corporal about ₦400,000. A Sergeant is expected to earn ₦460,000, while a Staff Sergeant will receive around ₦510,000.

For senior non-commissioned officers, a Warrant Officer will earn about ₦600,000, while a Master Warrant Officer will receive approximately ₦680,000. The rank of Army Warrant Officer is expected to earn about ₦890,000 monthly.

The proposed adjustment also covers commissioned officers across the armed forces. Under the structure, a Second Lieutenant will earn about ₦510,000, while a Lieutenant will receive ₦580,000. A Captain will earn approximately ₦690,000, while a Major will receive about ₦770,000.

Similarly, a Lieutenant Colonel is expected to earn ₦850,000, while a Colonel will receive about ₦970,000 monthly.

At the highest levels of the military hierarchy, a Brigadier General will earn approximately ₦1.5 million, while a Major General will receive around ₦2.5 million monthly. A Lieutenant General is expected to earn ₦3.6 million, while a General will earn about ₦4.9 million.

The proposed salary adjustment forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel, particularly those engaged in counter-insurgency operations and other security missions across the country.

Officials say the new salary structure will only take effect after it is formally approved and passed into law.

The move has been widely welcomed by security analysts and stakeholders who believe improved welfare will help strengthen the morale and operational effectiveness of the armed forces.

If implemented, the new salary structure will represent one of the most significant pay adjustments for Nigeria’s military personnel in recent years.

Source: Defence (Army) Facebook page