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The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals earning up to ₦29.75 million annually for pension purposes.
The approval was conveyed in a September 3, 2026 circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and takes effect from September 1, 2026.
Signed by the Commission's Chairman, Maj. Gen. Junaidu Bindawa (retd.), the circular said the review followed President Bola Tinubu's approval in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for periodic pension reviews.
Under the new structure, Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals will have annual pensionable salaries ranging from ₦21.9 million to ₦29.75 million, depending on salary step.
Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals and Air Marshals will earn between ₦16.99 million and ₦25.91 million, while Major Generals, Rear Admirals and Air Vice Marshals will receive ₦14.98 million to ₦23.9 million annually for pension purposes.
Brigadier Generals, Commodores and Air Commodores will earn between ₦13.86 million and ₦16.39 million, while Colonels, Captains (Navy) and Group Captains will receive ₦8.31 million to ₦9.49 million.
The revised structure also covers lower ranks, with annual pensionable salaries ranging from ₦2.28 million for Privates, Ordinary Seamen and Aircraftmen to over ₦5 million for Warrant Officers and equivalent ranks.
The commission clarified that the figures represent annual pensionable salaries used for calculating retirement benefits and should not be mistaken for the monthly salaries of serving military personnel.
Security experts welcomed the development, describing it as a boost to the welfare and morale of service personnel.
Security analyst Abdullahi Jabi said the review would motivate troops and improve the welfare of retired personnel but urged the government to complement it with better housing, healthcare, transportation and education benefits.
Another security expert, Chidi Omeje, said the improved pension structure was justified considering the sacrifices made by military personnel in combating insecurity across the country.
