Salary Increase: Ndume Commends Tinubu, Urges Military Personnel To Redouble Efforts

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his commitment to increase the salaries of Armed Forces personnel.

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District expressed his commendation in a statement over the weekend.

It is worth noting that the Presidency issued an official statement last month, committing to the implementation of a new salary package for certain categories of Armed Forces personnel.

According to the statement attributed to Bayo Onanuga, 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 the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from the rank of private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.

The presidential aide stated that the new package would raise the annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, benefiting more than 250,000 members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Further checks revealed that the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed the implementation of the salary increase to defence correspondents on Friday.

Reacting to the development, the federal lawmaker, who previously served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, commended President Tinubu for following through on his promises to enhance the morale of Nigerian military personnel.

He urged military officers to intensify their efforts in combating insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.

Ndume maintained that, over the past three years, the current administration has demonstrated a commitment to curbing insecurity by taking proactive measures, including providing funding to procure adequate arms and ammunition and doing everything possible to boost the morale of Armed Forces personnel.

He said: “Making a pronouncement is one thing; fulfilling your pledge is an entirely different matter. President Tinubu has shown time and again that he keeps his word. It is heartening to note that the salary increment he promised the Nigerian Army has been delivered.

“I urge our officers to redouble their efforts to combat insecurity, especially as the current administration is doing everything possible to boost their morale. They should strive harder now that we have more troops on the ground following recent recruitment.

“The activation of the Army Aviation will also significantly complement the efforts of the Air Force, particularly now that we have attack helicopters stationed in all six geopolitical zones.”

The former Senate Leader reiterated his call for better coordination and synergy between the infantry and the Air Force in the fight against insurgency and banditry.