Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has urged the new Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to prioritize better remuneration and motivation for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Ndume made the call in a statement in Abuja following the decoration of the new service chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Senate had recently screened and confirmed appointments of Oluyede, along with Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

“Better remuneration is key in boosting the morale of our military in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other threats inimical to the security of lives and property of Nigerians,” Ndume said.

The lawmaker, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, highlighted a framework he calls TEAM for strengthening the military: Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation.

He also emphasized the need for the military budget to be treated as a First Line Charge, ensuring allocations are prioritized and not discretionary.

“The annual budget of the Armed Forces and other security forces should be front-loaded and accorded priority,” he said.

Ndume drew comparisons with neighboring countries, noting that Nigerian soldiers earn significantly less than their peers despite higher operational demands.

• Ghana: Entry-level private earns ~₦180,000/month
• South Africa: Basic pay ~₦250,000/month
• Egypt: Junior enlisted officers earn ₦230,000–₦280,000/month
• Kenya: Private earns ~₦200,000/month

“In Nigeria, the average private soldier earns significantly less, even though deployment frequency and operational demands are higher. Rising living costs have outpaced salaries, negatively affecting morale, recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness, particularly in high-risk or remote locations,” Ndume stated.

He stressed that improving pay and allowances is essential to enhance operational readiness and retain skilled personnel, ultimately strengthening national security.