Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, on Thursday applauded President Bola Tinubu for approving a comprehensive upward review of the salaries and welfare package for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the strategic expansion and reorganisation of the Nigerian Army through the creation of four additional divisions, as well as the recruitment of 28,000 personnel.
In a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents in Abuja, Benson described the President’s decisions as historic, visionary and timely interventions that underscore the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the welfare of the nation’s military personnel.
He expressed optimism that “the enhanced remuneration for officers and soldiers across all ranks, particularly the substantial increase for junior personnel, will significantly boost morale, improve operational efficiency, strengthen personnel retention, attract highly qualified recruits and reinforce the commitment of members of the Armed Forces to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He further noted that investing in the welfare of military personnel is fundamental to building a highly motivated, disciplined and professional Armed Forces capable of effectively addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
Benson also applauded the President’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions through the establishment of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.
He described the reorganisation as a “strategic milestone that will improve command and control, decentralise operational responsibilities, enhance the rapid deployment of troops, strengthen border security, improve intelligence-led operations and increase the military’s capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.”
He stated that the combined impact of improved welfare, increased manpower and enhanced operational structures would not only strengthen Nigeria’s national defence capabilities but also deepen professionalism, discipline, operational excellence and institutional efficiency within the Armed Forces.
“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. A well-motivated and properly equipped military remains indispensable to achieving sustainable national security and development,” he said.
The lawmaker further observed that the reforms are fully aligned with the objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflect his administration’s determination to build a modern, resilient and globally competitive military capable of responding effectively to both conventional and emerging security threats.
He pledged the Committee’s unwavering support for the President’s security reforms and said it would continue to provide the necessary legislative backing, policy support and oversight required to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives.
Benson expressed confidence that the reforms would further strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s Armed Forces, improve national security outcomes and contribute significantly to lasting peace, stability and sustainable development across the country.
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