ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has introduced a new pensionable salary structure for members of the armed forces, increasing retirement related earnings for personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the revised arrangement, generals, admirals and air chief marshals can have annual pensionable earnings of up to about N29.75 million, equivalent to roughly N2.48 million a month for pension calculations.
The new rates took effect on Sept. 1 and were outlined in a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The changes form part of a broader review of military pay approved by President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Officials have stressed that the figures are not the same as the monthly take home salaries of serving officers. Instead, they are used to determine pension entitlements after retirement.
Other senior ranks will also benefit. Lieutenant generals, vice admirals and air marshals will receive higher pensionable earnings, while major generals, rear admirals and air vice marshals are covered by the revised structure.
Junior personnel are included in the changes as well, with privates, ordinary seamen, aircraftmen, staff sergeants, petty officers and flight sergeants all receiving revised pensionable rates.
The pension review follows a wider military salary increase approved in August. Junior personnel received the largest percentage increases, while senior officers also saw their pay adjusted. About 250,000 members of the armed forces are expected to benefit from the broader changes.
Tinubu said the review was intended to improve welfare for military personnel who continue to face security threats across the country. “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated,” he said.
Nigeria’s armed forces remain heavily deployed against insurgents in the northeast, armed gangs in the northwest and kidnappers and other criminal groups in several regions. Military welfare has remained a major concern, particularly over delayed benefits, allowances and pensions.
The government says the new structure is designed to improve morale and provide greater financial security for service members after retirement. Its success, however, will depend on consistent implementation and timely payment of pensions and other benefits.
