Ndume Advocates Military Budget Reform for Efficiency

Ali Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, called on the Nigerian government to place the military budget on First-Line Charge to eliminate bureaucratic delays between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Finance. He made this statement while commending President Tinubu for approving salary increases of between 30 and 80 percent for certain categories of military personnel, effective next month, which will benefit about 250,000 personnel.

Ndume stated that this salary review would boost the morale of the Armed Forces and is indicative of a strategic approach to tackling insecurity, especially following the expansion of military divisions from eight to twelve. He emphasized that improved welfare must be paired with the timely provision of arms and logistics.

Ndume urged President Tinubu to ensure direct statutory funding for the military from the Federation Account, similar to arrangements for other government agencies, to enhance the military's capacity to respond to security threats.