If you’re searching for the latest army salary in Nigeria, you’re probably wondering how much is soldier salary in Nigeria today and whether the figures circulating online are still accurate. The answer is more complicated than many websites suggest. Nigerian Army personnel are paid under the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS), with salaries determined by rank, grade level, and step.

However, the Federal Government approved salary reviews in January and July 2024, while another nationwide military pay increase was announced in August 2026, meaning many salary tables online are already outdated.

This guide explains the current salary structure, Nigerian Army ranks, allowances, and what has officially changed. Where the government has not publicly released updated figures, this article says so instead of relying on outdated or unverified estimates. Soldiers are paid under CONAFSS, with pay fixed by rank, grade, and step. Below is the latest salary table based on publicly verifiable information.

Nigerian Army Salary by Rank (2026)

The first ten ranks are commissioned officers, while the remaining ranks are non-commissioned officers and soldiers. A recruit is still undergoing military training and receives a training stipend rather than a full salary. Second Lieutenant is the entry rank for commissioned officers graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), while Private is the entry rank for enlisted personnel. Nigeria also recognises the ceremonial five-star rank of Field Marshal, although no officer has ever held that rank. Basic salary increases with promotion, years of service, professional qualifications, examinations and vacancies within the service.

Disclaimer: The Nigerian Army and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) have not published a complete post-2024 CONAFSS salary table. The figures above are estimates compiled from recent Nigerian reports and may differ from actual pay depending on grade step, years of service, and allowances.

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Nigerian Army Allowances and Benefits

While many people focus on army salary in Nigeria, a soldier’s take-home pay is often higher than the basic salary because of various allowances and welfare packages. Under the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS), personnel may qualify for different allowances depending on their rank, posting, operational responsibilities, and service conditions.

Although the Federal Government does not publish a comprehensive schedule of allowance rates for every rank, serving personnel may receive additional payments and benefits beyond their monthly basic salary.

Common allowances and benefits include:

• Operational or theatre allowance for personnel deployed to combat operations.
• Hazard or risk allowance for soldiers serving in dangerous environments.
• Housing or barracks accommodation, or housing support where applicable.
• Uniform and kit allowance to maintain military dress and equipment.
• Ration or feeding support during training and operational deployments.
• Medical care for personnel through military hospitals and approved healthcare facilities.
• Transport and movement support for official assignments.
• Leave allowance, subject to applicable service regulations.

Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces are also covered by the Contributory Pension Scheme and pay Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax in accordance with Nigerian tax laws. For soldiers deployed to active operational theatres, allowances can significantly increase overall earnings beyond the monthly basic salary.

How Army Salaries Changed in 2024

Many websites still display Nigerian Army salary figures published several years ago. These figures no longer reflect the current salary structure because the Federal Government approved two major salary reviews in 2024.

1. January 2024 Salary Increase

In January 2024, the Federal Government approved a 25 to 35 per cent increase across six consolidated salary structures, including the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). The adjustment took effect from 1 January 2024 and was designed to improve the welfare of military personnel and other public servants.

2. Consequential Adjustment After the New Minimum Wage

Nigeria’s national minimum wage increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Minimum Wage Act in July 2024. Following the new law, the Federal Government approved a consequential adjustment of several consolidated salary structures, including CONAFSS, with effect from 29 July 2024. As a result, entry-level military salaries moved closer to the new wage floor, making many salary tables published before 2024 obsolete.

Latest Military Salary Review in 2026

The Federal Government announced another major review of military pay in August 2026, making it the most recent change to soldiers’ earnings.

According to the Presidency, the revised salary package will take effect from 1 September 2026 and affects about 250,000 military personnel across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.

Under the new structure:

• Soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.
• Personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50 per cent increase.
• Officers above the rank of Colonel, including Generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase.

The Presidency said the review will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting the government’s efforts to improve troop welfare and strengthen morale amid ongoing security operations across the country. However, as of publication, the government has not released the revised rank-by-rank salary table under the updated CONAFSS structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is army salary in Nigeria?

The exact monthly basic salary for each Nigerian Army rank under the current CONAFSS structure has not been publicly released by the Federal Government. Basic pay varies according to rank, grade, and step, while allowances increase overall earnings.

How much is a soldier’s salary in Nigeria?

The salary of an enlisted soldier depends on rank and years of service. Entry-level personnel earn the least, while senior non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers receive progressively higher salaries. The latest official rank-by-rank figures have not been published.

What is the Nigerian Army salary structure called?

The Nigerian Army is paid under the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS), which determines basic salaries according to rank, grade level and step.

Who is the highest-paid officer in the Nigerian Army?

The highest-paid officers are those holding the rank of General, the highest active rank in the Nigerian Army. The service is currently headed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who was appointed in October 2025.

Did army salaries increase in 2024?

Yes. Military salaries increased twice in 2024. The Federal Government approved a 25 to 35 per cent salary increase from January 2024, followed by a consequential salary adjustment after the implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage in July 2024.

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Conclusion

The army salary in Nigeria is determined by rank under the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). While the Federal Government has confirmed multiple salary reviews in 2024 and announced another substantial pay increase effective September 2026, it has not yet released a public rank-by-rank salary table reflecting these changes. Until that happens, any exact monthly figures published elsewhere should be treated with caution. Beyond basic pay, allowances and welfare benefits can significantly increase a soldier’s take-home earnings, especially for personnel deployed on military operations.