Reps defence committee hails Tinubu’s military pay rise, army expansion

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a comprehensive review of the salaries and welfare package of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

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He described the move as a landmark step towards strengthening the country’s security architecture.

Mr Benson, in a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the committee, also praised the president’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army through the creation of four additional divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel.

The lawmaker described the measures as historic and timely interventions that demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel while enhancing the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

According to him, the salary review, particularly the increase in the earnings of junior military personnel, will improve morale, strengthen operational efficiency, encourage personnel retention and make military service more attractive to highly qualified recruits.

He said better welfare for officers and soldiers would reinforce their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at a time when the country continues to confront multiple security challenges.

“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.

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“A well-motivated and properly equipped military remains indispensable to achieving sustainable national security and development,” Mr Benson said.

The lawmaker added that investment in the welfare of military personnel remains essential to building a disciplined, motivated and professional armed forces capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

Beyond the salary review, Mr Benson welcomed the president’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions.

The expansion will see the establishment of new divisions in Makurdi, Benue State; Ilorin, Kwara State; Jalingo, Taraba State; and Benin City, Edo State.

According to the committee chairman, the restructuring represents a strategic milestone that will strengthen command and control across the military, decentralise operational responsibilities and improve the rapid deployment of troops to areas facing security threats.

He said the additional divisions would also enhance border security, support intelligence-driven operations and increase the military’s capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across the country.

Mr Benson noted that the combination of improved welfare, increased manpower and enhanced operational structures would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities while promoting professionalism, discipline and institutional efficiency within the armed forces.

He reaffirmed the committee’s support for the administration’s security reforms and pledged continued legislative backing, policy support and effective oversight to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives.

Background

The commendation comes amid an approved salary increase by Mr Tinubu of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

This move is expected to raise the federal government’s annual military wage bill by N264 billion as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

According to the presidency, about 250,000 personnel would benefit from the salary review.