According to a recent report, Senator Ali Ndume has urged the Nigerian government to prioritise the welfare of members of the armed forces, arguing that soldiers operating in dangerous environments deserve improved financial rewards and better conditions for their service.
The Borno South representative made the remarks during an interview with Trust TV, where he highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by troops fighting insurgency and other security challenges across the country.
Ndume expressed concern that many military personnel risk their lives daily despite receiving incomes that he believes are insufficient compared with the dangers attached to their duties. He stressed that motivating soldiers through improved welfare would strengthen the nation’s security efforts.
The senator pointed to the earnings of newly recruited soldiers while describing the risks involved in their assignments. He said, “A recruit from the Depot is being paid N50,000 per month and you expect him to go to desert, to Sambisa and fight and risk everything. As I’m speaking to you now, a general is still missing. Brigadier General Damboa. It is the coming of this government that he doubled their salary now they are collecting N100,000 per month as their salary.”
Ndume acknowledged the recent salary adjustment for military personnel but insisted that additional measures are needed. He called for continued investment in remuneration, equipment and overall support for troops protecting the country.
