Senator Ndume Urges Urgent Review of Welfare for Nigerian Soldiers Amid Rising Security Threats
Senator Ali Ndume has called for an immediate review and enhancement of welfare provisions for Nigerian soldiers, describing current conditions as insufficient for personnel confronting escalating security challenges across the nation.
The senator raised the issue during a Senate plenary session addressing funding gaps in the armed forces. Speaking with Channels Television, Ndume expressed concern that frontline troops continue to operate under strenuous conditions, facing insurgency, banditry, and violent crimes with limited support.
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Highlighting the pay structure for junior personnel, Ndume noted:
“A private in the Nigerian Army now receives N100,000. The daily ration before was N1,500. Now the president increased it to N5,000.”
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s recent pay increment, he argued that it remains inadequate given the rising cost of living and the extensive responsibilities shouldered by soldiers.
Ndume proposed a comprehensive welfare package that includes:
- Better salaries
- Improved accommodation
- Enhanced insurance coverage
- Guaranteed support for families of fallen personnel
He also emphasized the need for transparency in defence spending, insisting that funds allocated to military operations should directly improve troop welfare, thereby boosting morale, loyalty, and operational effectiveness.
Senator Ndume Urges Urgent Review of Welfare for Nigerian Soldiers Amid Rising Security Threats