Senator Ali Ndume has called for greater investment in the welfare of Nigerian military personnel, saying improved remuneration and support are essential to strengthening the fight against insurgency and other security threats.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on June 26, 2026, the Borno South senator said soldiers continue to make enormous sacrifices despite the dangers they face in conflict zones.
“A recruit from the Depot is being paid ₦50,000 per month and you expect him to go to the desert, to Sambisa and fight and risk everything. As I’m speaking to you now, a general is still missing. Brigadier General Damboa. It is the coming of this government that doubled their salary; now they are collecting ₦100,000 per month,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker acknowledged the salary increase introduced by the current administration but argued that more reforms are needed to improve the conditions of service for military personnel.
He maintained that better pay, modern equipment and enhanced welfare packages are necessary to boost troop morale and strengthen the armed forces’ capacity to tackle insurgency, banditry and other security challenges.
