Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has praised President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to increase the salaries of personnel in the Armed Forces.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the commendation in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Saturday.
The Presidency had announced in September that a new salary structure would be introduced for various categories of military personnel.
According to Presidential Media Aide, Bayo Onanuga, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, would receive a 30 percent salary increase.
Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer would receive a 50 percent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant would get an 80 percent increase.
Onanuga said the adjustment would increase the annual salary bill from N660 billion to N924 billion and benefit more than 250,000 military personnel.
Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed the implementation of the salary review to Defence Correspondents on Friday.
Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said the development demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to improving the morale of military personnel.
He said, “Making a pronouncement is one thing, redeeming your pledge is a different ball game entirely.
“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 lawmaker also urged military personnel to intensify their efforts against insecurity, noting that the government was taking steps to improve their welfare and morale.
“I want to urge our officers to redouble their efforts to curtail insecurity since the present administration is doing everything to boost their morale.
“They should do more now that they also have more troops on the ground with the recent recruitment.
“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.”
Ndume also renewed his call for stronger coordination between the Army and Air Force in the fight against insurgency and banditry.
