Tinubu raises Nigeria troops’ pay by up to 80% from Sept. 1

Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has approved pay increases of up to 80% for members of the armed forces, effective Sept. 1, amid continuing security pressure in several parts of the country. According to presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, soldiers from private to staff sergeant will get an 80% increase, personnel from warrant officer to colonel will receive 50%, while brigadier general to general will get 30%. The policy will raise Nigeria's annual military wage bill to 924 billion naira from 660 billion naira. The government is taking the step as attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue in the northeast, while bandit groups, kidnappings for ransom and separatist violence also keep security forces under strain.