Reps Committee Backs Ongoing Military Welfare Reforms

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the review of military salaries and the expansion of the Nigerian Army.

Benson commended the President for his support for a cumulative increase in salaries and welfare packages for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and for the strategic expansion and reorganisation of the Nigerian Army by creating four additional divisions and recruiting 28,000 new personnel.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Committee, Benson described the President’s decisions as historic, visionary and timely interventions which, according to him, demonstrate the constant dedication of the Federal Government to the upgrading of Nigeria’s security infrastructure and the welfare of its dedicated military personnel.

“The increase in the pay of officers and soldiers of all ranks, especially the big jump for the junior ranks will greatly enhance the morale,” said the Committee Chairman.

It would also boost operational efficiency, improve personnel retention, attract high-quality recruits and strengthen the resolve of the Armed Forces members to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

He highlighted the significance of investing in the welfare of the military personnel as crucial to nurturing a well-motivated, disciplined and professional Armed Forces capable of meeting the evolving security challenges confronting the country.

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Benson further said the President has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, with new divisions to be created in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, confirming the President’s approval for the expansion.

He described the reorganisation as a strategic milestone that will enhance command and control, decentralise operational responsibilities, improve speed of troop deployment, enhance border security, enhance intelligence-led operations and boost the military’s ability to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity across the country.

Benson said that the combined effect of improved welfare, more manpower and stronger operational structures would not only boost Nigeria’s national defence capabilities but also promote greater professionalism, discipline, operational excellence and institutional efficacy in the Armed Forces.

“The President has demonstrated remarkable leadership and steadfast dedication to the security and stability of our country.” These are bold reforms which are targeted investments in the men and women who make huge sacrifices on a daily basis to protect the peace, unity and democratic values of our country. “A well-motivated and well-equipped military is still necessary to the achievement of sustainable national security and development,” Benson said.

These reforms are in line with the goals of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and echo the administration’s resolve to develop a modern, resilient and internationally competitive military that can effectively counter conventional and emerging security threats, Benson said.

He also reaffirmed the Committee’s strong support for the President’s security reforms, vowing to continue to provide the requisite legislative support, policy support and oversight to ensure the successful implementation of these landmark initiatives.

There were indications of confidence that the reforms would further boost the confidence of the public in the Nigerian Armed Forces, improve national security outcomes and make a meaningful contribution to the attainment of lasting peace, stability and sustainable development across the country.