Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure that will raise military pay by up to 80% for nearly 250,000 personnel, as the government seeks to improve troop morale and welfare amid persistent security challenges.

The revised pay structure, announced Tuesday, will take effect on September 1 and increase the military’s annual salary bill from 660 billion naira to 924 billion naira.

Under the new structure, personnel from the rank of lieutenant to staff officers will receive the largest increase of 80%, while colonels and equivalent officers will receive a 50% raise.

Senior officers above the rank of colonel, including generals, will receive a 30% increase.

The government said the adjustment reflects the demands placed on the armed forces as they continue operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP militants in the northeast, armed bandits in the northwest, as well as kidnappers and other violent criminal groups.

Tinubu said the increase recognizes the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel and forms part of broader efforts to improve their welfare while modernizing the armed forces with better equipment and technology.

Lawmakers also welcomed the move, with Senate defense committee leaders describing it as a timely incentive and a strategic investment in national security.

The government said the increase will add about 264 billion naira to the annual military wage bill as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen its security forces.