Put military budget on first-line charge, Ndume tells FG

Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the annual budget of the Nigerian Armed Forces, placing it on First-Line Charge. This move, according to Ndume, would eliminate bureaucratic delays and improve the efficiency of military operations against terrorism and banditry. The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army commended President Tinubu for approving substantial salary increases for about 250,000 military personnel, effective next month.

Ndume believes this increase will significantly boost the morale of the Armed Forces. He emphasized that such salary adjustments, coupled with the recent expansion of military divisions, demonstrate the president's commitment to addressing security challenges. Ndume stressed that while salary improvements are crucial, they must be accompanied by the timely provision of necessary arms, ammunition, and other logistics.

He urged President Tinubhu to maintain his pledge to provide the required weapons and technological tools for the Armed Forces. Ndume advocated for the establishment of direct statutory funding for the military from the Federation Account, similar to arrangements for some government agencies. He believes this measure would strengthen the military's ability to respond swiftly to security threats across the country.