ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Senate Leader and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 30% to 80% salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, while urging the administration to ensure funds are transferred directly into the bank accounts of serving personnel.
Speaking via an official statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District noted that the pay rise represents a crucial morale booster for troops fighting insurgency and banditry across the country. However, Ndume stressed that direct electronic disbursements and prompt supply of modern hardware remain necessary to maximize operational efficiency on the front lines.
Key Highlights
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Commendation for Pay Hike: Senator Ndume lauded the President’s approval of scaled salary increments—ranging from 80% for junior ranks (private to staff sergeant), 50% for middle ranks, to 30% for senior officers—raising the annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion starting September 1, 2026.
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Call for Direct Transfer: The lawmaker urged the Federal Government and military authorities to implement a seamless, direct transfer mechanism into personnel bank accounts to prevent administrative bottlenecks or payment delays.
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Comprehensive Welfare & Equipment: Beyond salary increments, Ndume emphasized that defeating security threats requires complementing better pay with prompt procurement of modern arms, ammunition, armored vehicles, and adequate logistics support.
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Synergy with Army Expansion: Ndume noted that the pay review aligns with the administration’s recent expansion of military operational structures from eight to 12 divisions, reflecting a clear policy focus on national defense.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ SENATOR NDUME ON MILITARY SALARY INCREMENT │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Speaker : Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South / Ex-Senate Leader)│
│ • Core Message : Praise for presidential pay hike & call for │
│ direct fund transfer to personnel accounts │
│ │
│ • Policy Scope : 30%–80% salary increase for ~250,000 troops │
│ • Wage Bill Impact : ₦660 Billion ➔ ₦924 Billion annually │
│ • Effective Date : September 1, 2026 │
│ │
│ • Operational Demands: Direct bank transfers, modern weaponry, and │
│ enhanced battlefield logistics │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: Reporting via Vanguard News Statement, Punch Newspapers Report, and State House Official Briefing)
“The Review of Salary Will Go a Long Way in Motivating Our Military”
Detailing his stance on troop remuneration and direct disbursement, Senator Ali Ndume stated in comments reported by Vanguard News:
“This coming after his recent expansion of military divisions from eight to 12 shows that Mr. President has his own blueprint aimed at dealing with the scourge of terrorism and banditry… The review of salary will go a long way in motivating our military personnel. I have been in the vanguard of better motivation for our men and officers in the military in terms of a decent living wage.” — Senator Ali Ndume, Borno South Senatorial District
“President Tinubu has once again proved that he is a responsive leader who doesn’t shut his mind to genuine and legitimate agitation of… our personnel… However, aside from a better welfare package and training, what they need to deal with insurgents is direct credit of their entitlements and a prompt supply of arms and ammunition.” — Senator Ali Ndume
