Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the promised salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces. Ndume, a former chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, stated that the new salary structure would boost the morale of military personnel in the ongoing fight against insecurity. He praised Tinubu for demonstrating his commitment to improving the welfare of Armed Forces members by fulfilling his pledge.
Ndume made the statement in a release, noting that Tinubu had shown that he keeps to his words. The senator said it was heartwarming to see the salary increment promised to the Nigerian Army being implemented. He urged the military to reciprocate the gesture with renewed efforts to tackle insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry. Ndume emphasized that making a pronouncement is one thing, but redeeming the pledge is a different story.
The commendation came after confirmation by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, that the upward review of Armed Forces personnel salaries had commenced. According to the Presidency, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals, and generals, would receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer would receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant would get an 80 per cent increase.
The new package would increase the annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion, with more than 250,000 personnel expected to benefit. Ndume, a former Senate Leader, emphasized that the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare and operational capacity of the military should be matched by greater commitment from personnel on the battlefield. He urged officers to redouble their efforts to curtail insecurity.
Ndume noted that the administration had, over the last three years, demonstrated commitment to addressing insecurity through increased funding for the procurement of arms and ammunition, as well as other measures aimed at improving the operational capacity and morale of the Armed Forces. The lawmaker highlighted the activation of Army Aviation as another development capable of strengthening ongoing military operations.
The activation of Army Aviation would complement the efforts of the Air Force, with attack helicopters in the six geo-political zones. Ndume, however, renewed his call for stronger and better-coordinated synergy between the Army’s infantry formations and the Nigerian Air Force in the fight against insurgency and banditry. He emphasized that this would enhance the military's effectiveness in tackling security challenges.
Ndume concluded by urging the military to build on the recent recruitment of more troops on the ground. He expressed confidence that with the increased morale and operational capacity, the Armed Forces would be better equipped to address the country's security challenges. The senator's commendation reflects the positive impact of Tinubu's decision on the military and the broader security landscape.
Key points
- President Tinubu's implementation of the salary increase is expected to boost the morale of over 250,000 Armed Forces personnel.
- The new salary package will increase the annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.
- Senator Ndume has urged the military to match the government's efforts with renewed commitment to tackling insecurity.
