Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving salary increases for about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the move as a morale booster for troops.
Last week, Tinubu approved salary adjustments ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, which will take effect next month. With the new rates, the annual wage bill for the Armed Forces will rise from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion. Officers above the rank of colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase, those from colonel down to warrant officer will get 50 per cent, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will enjoy an 80 per cent raise.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ndume, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, said the salary review reflects the President’s commitment to tackling insecurity. “This, coming after his recent expansion of military divisions from eight to 12, shows that Mr. President has his own blueprint aimed at dealing with terrorism and banditry,” he said.
Ndume noted that while better pay is crucial, it alone cannot win the war against insurgency. He urged the government to ensure prompt supply of arms, ammunition, and logistics. “Aside better welfare package and training, what they need to deal with insurgents is prompt supply of arms and ammunition,” he added.
The Borno South Senator also called for the annual defence budget to be placed on First Line Charge to eliminate bureaucratic delays. “This envelope budgeting is trapped in unnecessary bureaucracy between the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Finance. Mr. President should seize the initiative to ensure direct statutory transfer from the Federation Account for the military,” he said.
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