ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has approved a revised pension structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, covering personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force and setting new figures for determining retirement benefits.
The new arrangement took effect Sept. 1 and was outlined in a circular issued Sept. 3 by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The review covers military personnel at different ranks and levels of service.
Under the new structure, generals, admirals and air chief marshals are at the top of the pension scale, with the highest annual figure used for pension purposes set at about N29.75 million. The amount varies depending on rank and level.
Lieutenant generals, vice admirals and air marshals fall within the next category, while major generals, rear admirals and air vice marshals are also covered by revised pension figures. Lower ranking officers and enlisted personnel have separate rates under the new structure.
The government has made clear that the figures should not be regarded as the monthly salaries or take home pay of officers who are still serving. They are specifically intended for determining pension benefits when personnel retire from military service.
The review also covers junior ranks, including warrant officers, staff sergeants, petty officers, flight sergeants, corporals, seamen, aircraftmen and privates, ensuring that personnel throughout the three services are included.
Nigeria’s Constitution provides for periodic reviews of pensions, including when public service salaries are adjusted. The latest military pension changes follow an earlier review of compensation for serving Armed Forces personnel.
Military pensions have remained an important welfare issue in Nigeria, where retired personnel have periodically complained about delays in the payment of pensions, gratuities and other benefits accumulated during years of service.
The review comes as Nigeria’s Armed Forces remain heavily involved in operations against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats. The government has repeatedly said improving the welfare of serving and retired personnel is necessary to recognise the sacrifices made by military families.
For retired and retiring service members, the significance of the new structure will ultimately depend on how quickly and consistently the revised pension benefits are implemented. The government will also face pressure to ensure that eligible veterans receive their entitlements without lengthy delays.
