Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the long-awaited salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, urging troops to reciprocate the gesture with renewed determination in the fight against insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.
Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army and former Senate Leader, said the improved remuneration would boost the morale of military personnel and strengthen their resolve in the ongoing battle against insecurity across the country.
The senator made the remarks in a statement issued at the weekend following confirmation by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, that the upward review of the salaries of Armed Forces personnel had commenced.
According to Ndume, the implementation of the salary increase demonstrates President Tinubu’s willingness to fulfil his promises, particularly those concerning the welfare of military personnel.
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“Making a pronouncement is one thing; redeeming your pledge is a different ball game entirely,” Ndume said.
He added: “President Tinubu has shown times without number that he keeps to his words. It is heartwarming to note that the salary increment he promised the Nigerian Army has been redeemed.”
The new salary structure announced by the Presidency provides different levels of increases based on rank.
Under the arrangement, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.
The Presidency said the new package would raise the annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion, with more than 250,000 personnel expected to benefit.
Ndume described the development as an important step towards improving the welfare of military personnel, particularly those serving in difficult and dangerous operational environments.
He, however, said improved welfare must be accompanied by greater commitment and effectiveness on the battlefield.
“I want to urge our officers to redouble their efforts to curtail insecurity since the present administration is doing everything to boost their morale,” the senator said.
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“They should do more now that they also have more troops on the ground with the recent recruitment.”
Ndume further noted that the Federal Government had, over the last three years, taken several steps aimed at strengthening the military’s operational capacity.
He cited increased funding for the procurement of arms and ammunition, improved welfare packages and other measures designed to enhance the ability of the Armed Forces to confront security threats.
The lawmaker also identified the activation of Army Aviation as another development that could significantly strengthen military operations against insurgents and bandits.
“The activation of the Army Aviation would also go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Air Force, now that we also have attack helicopters in the six geo-political zones,” he said.
Despite the improvements, Ndume called for stronger coordination between the Army and the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in intelligence gathering, aerial support and ground operations.
He stressed that effective synergy between infantry formations and air assets would be crucial to achieving decisive victories against insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality.
The senator’s call comes as security forces continue operations against insurgents, kidnappers and bandits in several parts of the country, particularly in the North-East and North-West.
Ndume said the combination of improved remuneration, additional manpower, modern equipment and better coordination should translate into stronger performance by the Armed Forces.
He urged military personnel to make maximum use of the Federal Government’s renewed investment in their welfare and operational capacity to restore peace and security to communities affected by violence.
