Senator Ali Ndume has called on Nigeria’s military personnel to intensify the fight against insurgency, kidnapping and banditry following the implementation of the Federal Government’s new salary package for the armed forces.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the call in a statement on Saturday while commending President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to improve the welfare of military personnel.
The former chairman of the Senate Committee on Army said the salary increase should help improve the morale of troops, but added that it should also come with stronger efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
“Making a pronouncement is one thing; redeeming your pledge is a different ball game entirely,” Ndume said.
He said the implementation of the new salary structure showed that the administration had followed through on its commitment to improve the welfare of members of the armed forces.
“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,” he added.
The new salary package was announced by the Presidency in August for different categories of armed forces personnel.
Under the arrangement, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, are to receive a 30 percent increase in salary.
Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer are to receive a 50 percent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant are to get an 80 percent increase.
The new package is expected to increase the annual salary bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion and benefit more than 250,000 personnel.
The implementation of the salary increase was also confirmed by Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, who disclosed the development to defence correspondents on Friday.
Ndume Demands More Action Against Insecurity
Ndume urged military personnel to use the improved welfare package as additional motivation to intensify their operations against insecurity.
“I want to urge our officers to redouble their efforts to curtail insecurity since the present administration is doing everything to boost their morale,” he said.
“They should do more now that they also have more troops on the ground with the recent recruitment.”
The senator also pointed to the activation of Army aviation as another development that could strengthen the military’s response to insurgency and banditry.
He said the Army’s aviation capability would complement the operations of the Nigerian Air Force and called for stronger coordination between ground troops and air power.
Ndume particularly highlighted the deployment of attack helicopters across the country’s six geopolitical zones, saying effective cooperation between the Army infantry and the Air Force would be important in maximising their impact.
The former Senate leader said the Tinubu administration had, over the past three years, taken several steps aimed at improving the country’s security situation.
According to him, these measures include increased funding for the armed forces, procurement of arms and ammunition, recruitment of additional personnel and initiatives designed to improve the welfare and morale of military personnel.
He urged troops to match these investments and improved conditions with renewed efforts to protect Nigerians and reduce the threats posed by insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.
