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Meanwhile, Major Generals, Rear Admirals, and Air Vice Marshals will earn between N14.97 million and N23.89 million annually for pension purposes.
KaNo—
The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a move aimed at improving post-service welfare and boosting morale within the military amid ongoing security challenges across the country.
The approval, conveyed in a circular dated September 3, 2026, was issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission following the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
According to the document, the revised structure takes effect from September 1, 2026, and outlines updated annual gross pensionable salaries across all ranks in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The review is specifically designed for pension computation purposes and does not reflect the current monthly take-home pay of serving personnel.
The circular, signed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Major General Junaidu S. Bindawa (retd.), was addressed to top government functionaries, including the Chief of Staff to the President, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Defence, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and other key fiscal and administrative authorities.
Titled “Review of Gross Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure for Pension Purposes,” the document referenced an earlier circular issued on August 28, 2026, which revised the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). The latest review aligns pensionable earnings with the newly adjusted salary framework.
Review In Accordance To The Constitution
The commission stated that the decision was taken in accordance with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for periodic pension reviews either every five years or in tandem with salary adjustments for public servants.
A detailed breakdown of the new pensionable salary structure shows that the highest-ranking officers,Generals, Admirals, and Air Chief Marshals will earn annual pensionable salaries ranging from N21.89 million to N29.75 million, depending on their salary step.
For Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals, and Air Marshals, the annual pensionable earnings range between N16.99 million and N25.91 million.
Meanwhile, Major Generals, Rear Admirals, and Air Vice Marshals will earn between N14.97 million and N23.89 million annually for pension purposes.
Further down the hierarchy, Lieutenant Colonels, Commanders, and Wing Commanders will have annual pensionable earnings ranging from N7.55 million to N8.73 million.
Majors, Lieutenant Commanders, and Squadron Leaders are placed within a band of N5.98 million to N7.00 million.
Captains, Lieutenants, and Flight Lieutenants will earn between N5.27 million and N6.41 million, while Second Lieutenants, Midshipmen, and Pilot Officers are assigned figures ranging from N4.92 million to N5.58 million.
Among non-commissioned ranks, Warrant Officers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force will earn pensionable salaries between N4.52 million and N5.17 million. Master Warrant Officers are to receive between N3.93 million and N4.93 million, while Warrant Officers fall within the range of N3.45 million to N4.34 million.
Staff Sergeants, Petty Officers, and Flight Sergeants will earn between N2.97 million and N3.75 million annually.
Sergeants and Leading Seamen are assigned figures ranging from N2.80 million to N3.16 million, while Corporals and Able Seamen will receive between N2.47 million and N2.73 million.
Lance Corporals and Seamen fall within a bracket of N2.32 million to N2.58 million, while Privates, Ordinary Seamen, and Aircraftmen will earn pensionable salaries ranging from N2.28 million to N2.49 million.
Commission Says Approved Figures Strictly For Pension
The commission emphasized that the approved figures are strictly for pension calculations and should not be misconstrued as the actual salaries of serving personnel.
It also directed that all enquiries regarding the implementation of the new structure be forwarded to the commission.
The pension reform follows closely on the heels of a broader salary review for Armed Forces personnel, which reportedly introduced differentiated increases across ranks, with junior officers and enlisted personnel receiving higher percentage adjustments.
The reforms are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to address welfare concerns within the military and enhance operational effectiveness.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and communal conflicts in other regions.
Analysts have long argued that improving the welfare of military personnel is critical to sustaining morale and strengthening national security.
Security Expert Reacts
Reacting to the development, a Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security, Abdullahi Jabi, described the pension review as a significant step toward addressing longstanding welfare issues affecting military personnel and retirees.
He commended the Federal Government for what he termed a bold and necessary reform, noting that adequate compensation is essential for motivating personnel who risk their lives in service to the nation.
According to him, poor compensation and delayed benefits have historically contributed to hardship among military families, sometimes leading to broader social and security implications.
“One of the major challenges over the years has been the delay and inadequacy of pension payments. When personnel die in active service, their families often face severe difficulties accessing their entitlements, leading to frustration and disillusionment,” he said.
He added that the new structure could serve as a morale booster for troops currently engaged in various security operations across the country, provided it is backed by efficient implementation and timely disbursement of benefits.
The latest reform underscores the government’s renewed focus on military welfare as part of its broader strategy to tackle insecurity and strengthen the nation’s defence architecture.
Observers say the success of the initiative will largely depend on transparency, consistency, and the government’s commitment to honoring its obligations to both serving and retired personnel.
