The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals placed at the top of the scale with an annual gross pensionable salary of up to ₦29.75 million, equivalent to roughly ₦2.5 million monthly.
The approval is contained in a September 3, 2026 circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). It takes effect from September 1, 2026, and sets out the new annual figures to be used for pension calculations across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The circular, signed by the Commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Major General Junaidu S. Bindawa (retd.), was addressed to key government officials including the Chief of Staff to the President, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Defence and the Accountant-General of the Federation.
It was issued in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution and following the approval of President Bola Tinubu in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.
Key figures from the new schedule:
Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals: ₦21.90 million to ₦29.75 million annually
Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals and Air Marshals: ₦17.00 million to ₦25.91 million
Major Generals, Rear Admirals and Air Vice Marshals: ₦14.98 million to ₦23.90 million
Brigadier Generals, Commodores and Air Commodores: ₦13.86 million to ₦16.39 million
Lower ranks also received adjusted pensionable figures, ranging down to approximately ₦2.28 million–₦2.49 million annually for Privates, Ordinary Seamen and Aircraftmen.
The Commission emphasised that these amounts are strictly for pension purposes and should not be taken as the monthly take-home pay of serving personnel.
The review follows an earlier upward adjustment of the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS) and is intended to improve welfare amid ongoing security challenges.
Security analysts have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step toward better motivation and recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel, while calling for complementary measures such as improved housing, healthcare and education support for service members and their families.
