Nigerian lawmakers hail Tinubu's military pay rise, army expansion

The Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Defence has lauded President Bola Tinubu's recent approval of a comprehensive salary review and welfare enhancement for the Armed Forces. Committee Chairman Babajimi Benson described the move as a significant step in bolstering the nation's security framework.

In addition to the salary adjustments, President Tinubu also sanctioned the expansion of the Nigerian Army. This expansion involves the creation of four new divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel. Benson highlighted these actions as historic and timely interventions, underscoring the government's dedication to both the well-being of military personnel and the enhancement of the armed forces' operational capabilities.

“

The President has once again demonstrated remarkable leadership and an unwavering commitment to the security and stability of our nation. These bold reforms represent strategic investments in the men and women who daily make enormous sacrifices to safeguard our country’s peace, unity and democratic values.

Benson emphasized that the salary increases, particularly for junior personnel, are expected to boost morale, improve efficiency, and encourage retention within the military. He stated that better welfare for officers and soldiers would reinforce their commitment to protecting Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially as the country faces numerous security threats. "A well-motivated and properly equipped military remains indispensable to achieving sustainable national security and development," Benson remarked.

The lawmaker further welcomed the strategic restructuring of the army, which will establish new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. He believes this decentralization of operational responsibilities will strengthen command and control, facilitate rapid troop deployment to troubled areas, enhance border security, and bolster the military's capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.

“

A well-motivated and properly equipped military remains indispensable to achieving sustainable national security and development.