Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that funds approved for the country’s military salary increase reach Armed Forces personnel directly, warning that improved welfare must translate into real support for troops on the frontline.
The intervention follows President Tinubu’s approval of a salary increase for about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a move aimed at improving the welfare and morale of soldiers fighting terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Ndume, who represents Borno South and previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, welcomed the salary review but said the government must put measures in place to ensure the funds are properly transferred to the intended beneficiaries.
He described the salary increase as an important step towards motivating military personnel, particularly those serving in some of Nigeria’s most dangerous areas.
The senator also pointed to the recent expansion of Nigeria’s military divisions from eight to 12, saying the developments suggest that the Tinubu administration has a broader strategy for confronting the country’s security crisis.
However, Ndume warned that financial incentives alone would not end Nigeria’s prolonged battle against insurgency and banditry.
He urged the government to prioritise the timely supply of arms, ammunition, equipment and other critical logistics required by troops in active operations.
For Nigeria’s military, the combination of better pay, reliable equipment and effective funding could prove crucial as the country continues its efforts to strengthen national security and confront armed groups across several regions.
