Nigeria's President Tinubu orders a 80% salary increase for junior soldiers
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an 80% salary increase for junior Nigerian soldiers to boost morale amid ongoing security challenges. This marks the second pay hike in a month as the government attempts to address threats from militants and criminal gangs.
Why it matters
The salary increase reflects the government's urgent attempt to stabilize the military and address widespread insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Mansur Abubakar Abuja Getty Images Nigerian soldiers are fighting multiple enemies, including Islamist militants, separatists and gangs that kidnap civilians for ransom Nigerian soldiers are to get a pay increase of up to 80% - their second salary increase in a month - for what President Bola Tinubu says is the government's "deep appreciation" of those battling the nation's enormous security threats.
In July, the defence minister raised the monthly wages for privates, the lowest-ranking soldiers, from $36 (£27) to $73. With the president's intervention they will now receive $132 from September.
It is part of Tinubu's efforts to curb violence from various armed groups, including Islamist militants and criminal kidnap gangs, known locally as "bandits".
Last month, he ordered the recruitment of 28,000 extra soldiers and the creation of four new army divisions.
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