Ndume Applauds Tinubu’s Military Salary Increase, Demands Faster Weapons Supply

Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving salary increases of up to 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, saying the move could improve troop morale and support the fight against insecurity.

Tinubu approved the salary review for about 250,000 military personnel, with the new rates expected to take effect next month. The adjustment will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 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 50 per cent, 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 demonstrated what he described as a clear government strategy to address terrorism and banditry. He linked the pay adjustment to Tinubu’s recent decision to increase the number of military divisions from eight to 12.

The Borno South senator said improved welfare could help motivate soldiers who are deployed in difficult and dangerous conditions. He said he had consistently advocated better pay and living conditions for military personnel and described the President as responsive to legitimate concerns.

However, Ndume warned that better salaries alone would not be enough to defeat insurgency. He called for the timely provision of weapons, ammunition, training and other logistical support needed by troops operating in conflict zones.

The APC chieftain also urged Tinubu to sustain his commitment to providing modern weapons and technological equipment to the Armed Forces. He argued that delays in supplying military resources could undermine operations even when personnel welfare is improved.

Ndume further called for the military’s annual defence budget to be placed on First Line Charge, arguing that this would reduce bureaucratic delays between the Ministries of Defence and Finance. He proposed direct statutory transfers from the Federation Account to the military, similar to arrangements used for some government agencies.