FG APPROVES NEW MILITARY PAY STRUCTURE, GENERALS TO EARN N2.48M MONTHLY

The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with senior military officers set to receive higher pensionable earnings under the revised arrangement. The new structure places Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals at the top of the scale, with an annual gross pensionable salary of N29.75 million, translating to roughly N2.48 million monthly. The adjustment is contained in a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on September 3, 2026, and takes effect from September 1.

The review covers personnel across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, establishing new pensionable salary figures for the different ranks. The revised figures are intended to determine the portion of military earnings that will be considered for pension calculations, meaning the adjustment could have implications not only for serving personnel but also for retired officers whose benefits are linked to their pensionable emoluments.

Under the new structure, the highest-ranking officers will receive the largest pensionable salary, while officers in lower ranks will have corresponding figures based on their positions and service levels. The government’s decision comes amid continued discussions over the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, particularly as military personnel remain heavily involved in operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

The development also follows recent assurances from the military leadership that serving personnel and retirees would benefit from consequential adjustments whenever salaries and emoluments are reviewed. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had previously assured military pensioners that improvements in the pay of serving personnel would have corresponding implications for retired members of the Armed Forces.

The latest salary review is therefore expected to strengthen the welfare package for military personnel while providing a new basis for calculating pensionable earnings. With the circular taking effect from September 1, the revised structure represents another major adjustment to military remuneration and comes at a time when the government continues to emphasise improved welfare and support for personnel serving in Nigeria’s security architecture.