Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to place the Nigerian military, particularly the Army, on the First Line Charge of the national budget to address chronic funding challenges in the defence sector.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday. He also charged the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, along with the Service Chiefs, to push for improved welfare and training for military personnel to enhance morale and operational readiness.
According to him, a stronger, better-funded military remains vital to tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
“I have identified four pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats at bay. I call it TEAM — Training, Equipment, Ammunitions, and Motivations,” Ndume said.
He emphasized that the military’s annual budget should be given top priority and not left to discretion, adding that it should be “front-loaded” to ensure timely and adequate funding.
Ndume further lamented the poor remuneration of Nigerian troops when compared to their counterparts in other African countries.
“In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about ₦180,000 per month; in South Africa, ₦250,000; in Egypt, ₦230,000–₦280,000; and in Kenya, about ₦200,000, excluding operational allowances.
In Nigeria, the average private soldier earns significantly less despite higher deployment frequency and operational demands,” he stated.
He noted that the low wages and rising cost of living have continued to affect morale, recruitment, and retention within the Armed Forces, particularly among those serving in high-risk and remote areas.
Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize defence funding, stressing that improved welfare, training, and equipment for troops would translate into stronger national security.
President Bola Tinubu recently confirmed and swore in new Service Chiefs, including Lt. General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
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