Ndume Advises Tinubu On Transparent Payment Of Military Salary Increase

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the move as a major boost to the morale of troops battling insecurity across the country.

Tinubu recently approved the salary review for about 250,000 military personnel, with the new rates expected to take effect from next month. The adjustment will raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion.

Under the new structure, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will get a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.

Ndume, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, said the salary review, coming shortly after the expansion of military divisions from eight to 12, demonstrated that the President had a clear strategy for tackling terrorism and banditry.

He said the improved remuneration would motivate troops and improve their welfare, adding that he had consistently advocated better pay and living conditions for military personnel.

However, the Borno South Senator stressed that improved salaries alone would not be enough to defeat insurgency.

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He urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt provision of arms, ammunition, logistics and modern technological equipment needed by troops to effectively confront terrorists and bandits.

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 funding from the Federation Account would enable the military to access funds more efficiently and improve its operational effectiveness.

The APC chieftain urged Tinubu to sustain the momentum by ensuring that the Armed Forces receive the necessary resources to complement the improved welfare package and training.