Nigerian soldiers confirm implementation of 80% salary increase

Some Nigerian soldiers have confirmed receiving salaries reflecting the newly approved 80 per cent increase for junior military personnel.

The soldiers told SaharaReporters that payments began entering their accounts on Wednesday evening, covering personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant.

A Private previously earning about ₦103,000 now receives approximately ₦190,000, while a Lance Corporal’s salary increased from about ₦110,000 to approximately ₦202,000.

“Private soldiers ₦190k. Lance Corporal ₦202k, go on like that. It is exactly the 80 per cent as they promised,” one soldier said.

The adjustment follows President Bola Tinubu’s August approval of salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent across military ranks.

The new structure, effective September 1, grants an 80 per cent increase to personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant, 50 per cent from Warrant Officer to Colonel, and 30 per cent to officers above Colonel.

About 250,000 military personnel are expected to benefit from the package nationwide.