Nigeria Approves Pay Rise of Up to 80% for Soldiers Under Tinubu

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of up to 80% for the country's soldiers, according to a directive from the presidency. The increase applies across ranks, but junior personnel, who make up the bulk of the military's frontline combat force, received the largest percentage gains.

The pay overhaul comes as Nigeria's armed forces remain engaged on multiple fronts, including operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked insurgents in the northeast and armed bandit groups in the northwest. Officials close to the decision said the structure was designed to direct the biggest improvements toward personnel most actively engaged in combat, rather than spreading the increase evenly across the force.

The salary increase is expected to affect the government's defense budget in the coming fiscal year, though officials have not detailed the total cost. Analysts say the move reflects continued pressure on Abuja to retain soldiers and address morale concerns after years of prolonged deployments against insurgent and criminal groups.