MILITARY PAY REVIEW RAISES GENERALS’ PENSIONABLE SALARY TO N2.5M MONTHLY

The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals receiving the highest figures.

The new structure gives officers at the highest rank an annual gross pensionable salary of up to ₦29.75 million, equivalent to about ₦2.5 million monthly for pension calculation purposes. 

The approval was contained in a September 3, 2026 circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and takes effect from September 1, 2026.

The review covers personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force across different ranks and salary steps.

Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals and Air Marshals will have annual pensionable salaries ranging from about ₦17 million to ₦25.9 million.

Major Generals, Rear Admirals and Air Vice Marshals will receive between about ₦15 million and ₦23.9 million annually for pension purposes.

The new structure also covers junior officers and other military personnel, including warrant officers, sergeants, corporals and privates.

The commission clarified that the approved figures are specifically for pension purposes and should not be regarded as the monthly take-home salaries of serving military personnel.

The review followed the approval of President Bola Tinubu and was carried out in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution relating to the review of pensionable emoluments.

Security experts welcomed the development, saying improved remuneration and retirement benefits could help motivate military personnel and strengthen their commitment to national security.

They, however, urged the government to complement the salary and pension review with improved welfare packages, including better housing, healthcare, transportation and education support for military personnel and their families.