The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for the Nigerian Armed Forces, raising the monthly pensionable salary of Generals, Admirals, and Air Chief Marshals to ₦2.5 million. This review, effective from September 1, 2026, was signed off by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission following President Bola Tinubu’s approval.
The circular, issued on September 3, 2026, and titled “Review of Gross Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure for Pension Purposes,” outlined the new pay scales across military ranks. It was addressed to key government officials including the Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Auditor-General, and Accountant-General. The review was carried out in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates periodic pension adjustments.
Under the new structure, Generals, Admirals, and Air Chief Marshals will earn between ₦21.9 million and ₦29.75 million annually, translating to ₦1.82 million to ₦2.5 million monthly. Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals, and Air Marshals will receive ₦16.99 million to ₦25.91 million annually, equivalent to ₦1.41 million to ₦2.16 million monthly. Major Generals, Rear Admirals, and Air Vice Marshals will earn ₦14.98 million to ₦23.90 million annually, or ₦1.25 million to ₦1.99 million monthly.
Brigadier Generals, Commodores, and Air Commodores will now earn ₦13.86 million to ₦16.39 million annually, translating to ₦1.15 million to ₦1.36 million monthly. Colonels, Captains, and Group Captains will receive ₦8.31 million to ₦9.49 million annually, or ₦692,000 to ₦791,000 monthly. Lieutenant Colonels, Commanders, and Wing Commanders will earn ₦7.55 million to ₦8.74 million annually, equivalent to ₦629,000 to ₦728,000 monthly.
Majors, Lieutenant Commanders, and Squadron Leaders will earn ₦5.99 million to ₦7.01 million annually, translating to ₦499,000 to ₦584,000 monthly. Captains, Lieutenants, and Flight Lieutenants will receive ₦5.28 million to ₦6.42 million annually, or ₦440,000 to ₦535,000 monthly. Second Lieutenants, Midshipmen, and Pilot Officers will earn ₦4.92 million to ₦5.59 million annually, equivalent to ₦410,000 to ₦466,000 monthly.
The pay review is expected to boost morale among officers and improve welfare for retirees, ensuring higher pension entitlements. Analysts, however, caution that the new structure may raise questions about sustainability, given Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. While the government has emphasized its commitment to military welfare, critics argue that the disparity between military pensions and civilian public service salaries could spark debates on equity.
The adjustment follows an earlier communication on August 28, 2026, revising the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure. With this latest move, the government aims to strengthen the financial security of officers who have dedicated their careers to national service, while also reinforcing confidence in the armed forces amid ongoing security challenges.
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