Nigeria's Tinubu approves military pay rise as security challenges persist

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases for the armed forces, effective September 1, to enhance troop welfare amid ongoing security challenges. Officers above colonel, including generals, will receive a 30% raise; personnel from colonel to warrant officer will get a 50% raise; and soldiers from private to staff sergeant will see an 80% increase. This move aims to address widespread insecurity, including Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, banditry and kidnappings in the northwest and north-central regions, and separatist violence in the southeast. The new pay structure will raise the annual wage bill for the armed forces from 660 billion naira to 924 billion naira ($678.68 million). Tinubu stated his administration would continue to prioritize troop welfare and modernize the armed forces.