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 major boost to troop morale.
Ndume, however, said improved salaries alone would not be enough to defeat terrorism and banditry, urging the Federal Government to ensure prompt provision of weapons, ammunition and other operational equipment.
President Tinubu recently approved salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for military personnel, with the new rates expected to take effect next month.
Under the new structure, officers above the rank of colonel will receive a 30 per cent increase, those from colonel to warrant officer will get 50 per cent, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.
The adjustment will raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said the salary review demonstrated the President’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He linked the development to the recent expansion of military divisions from eight to 12, saying both measures showed that the administration had a plan to tackle terrorism and banditry.
Ndume said better remuneration would improve the morale of troops, noting that he had consistently advocated improved welfare and decent wages for military personnel.
However, the Borno South senator stressed that effective military operations also required adequate weapons, ammunition and modern technology.
“I have always argued that aside better welfare package and training, what they need to deal with insurgents is prompt supply of arms and ammunition,” he said.
He urged Tinubu to sustain his commitment to providing the military with the equipment and technological tools required to effectively combat insurgents.
Ndume also called for the annual defence budget to be placed on First Line Charge, arguing that the current envelope budgeting system creates bureaucratic delays between the Ministries of Defence and Finance.
According to him, direct statutory transfers from the Federation Account would allow the military to access funds more efficiently and improve its operational effectiveness.
“Mr. President should seize the initiative to ensure direct statutory transfer from the Federation Account for the military as it is done with few agencies of government,” Ndume said.
