President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration's security interventions are strengthening the country's military response capacity. He stated that new Army formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo, and Osun states have been operationalized, bringing troops closer to communities exposed to security threats and improving the speed and decisiveness of military response. This development is part of the government's effort to enhance the operational capability and welfare of the Armed Forces.
The President made these remarks while highlighting his administration's efforts to strengthen the military. He mentioned that the Federal Government is fast-tracking the construction of new barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Kogi states, with a similar facility in Osun already completed. According to him, the expansion of military infrastructure must go hand in hand with improved conditions for personnel, especially as the government places greater responsibilities on the Armed Forces in confronting security challenges.
President Tinubu also expressed satisfaction with the effect of the recent increase in the pay of military personnel. He stated that feedback from servicemen and women indicated that the intervention was improving conditions for them and their families. The President's remarks presented the combination of expanded military presence, personnel welfare, and infrastructure as central elements of his administration's effort to improve the country's security architecture.
The President stressed that strengthening security required not only deploying troops to troubled areas but also ensuring that those asked to defend the country were adequately supported to carry out their responsibilities. He noted that every military deployment also imposed sacrifices on the families of personnel, making their welfare an important part of the government's security responsibility.
In a related development, the Military Pensions Board (MPB) has begun implementing the newly approved pension rates arising from the adjustment occasioned by the new minimum wage. The board announced that the applicable pension arrears had been processed and would be credited to the accounts of all military pensioners with effect from October 2. This move is expected to address longstanding concerns over pension adjustments and delayed payments.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to increase the salary of Armed Forces personnel. The Borno South senator expressed his gratitude to the President in a statement in Abuja. Ndume's commendation underscores the positive impact of the pay increase on the welfare of military personnel and their families.
The President's message came amid continuing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen military presence, improve troop welfare, and expand infrastructure as part of its response to security challenges across different parts of the country. The government is pursuing a broader expansion of the Armed Forces' operational footprint across the country, with a focus on positioning troops closer to vulnerable communities to reduce response time when security threats emerge.
Key points
- President Tinubu's administration is strengthening Nigeria's military response capacity with new Army formations, improved troop welfare, and expanded military infrastructure.
