The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, has issued commendations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the significant military salary review and the strategic expansion of the Nigerian Army.
Benson praised the President for endorsing a comprehensive increase in salaries and welfare packages for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as for facilitating the strategic expansion and reorganisation of the Nigerian Army through the establishment of four additional divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 new personnel.
In a statement released on behalf of the Committee, Benson characterised the President’s decisions as historic, visionary, and timely interventions that highlight the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s security infrastructure and improving the welfare of its dedicated military personnel.
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The Committee Chairman noted that the improved remuneration for officers and soldiers across all ranks—especially the considerable increase for junior personnel—will substantially elevate morale.
It will also enhance operational efficiency, bolster personnel retention, attract highly qualified recruits, and reinforce the resolve of Armed Forces members to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
He emphasised that investing in the welfare of military personnel is essential for cultivating a well-motivated, disciplined, and professional Armed Forces adept at addressing the evolving security challenges faced by the country.
Benson further acknowledged the President’s approval for expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions by establishing new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City.
He described this reorganisation as a strategic milestone that will strengthen command and control, decentralise operational responsibilities, enhance troop deployment speed, improve border security, refine intelligence-led operations, and augment the military’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminal activity nationwide.
Benson added that the combined effects of improved welfare, increased manpower, and strengthened operational structures would not only enhance Nigeria’s national defence capabilities but also foster greater professionalism, discipline, operational excellence, and institutional efficacy 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 sustainablenational security and development,” Benson stated.
Benson noted that these reforms align closely with the objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the administration’s resolve to construct a modern, resilient, and globally competitive military capable of effectively confronting both conventional and emerging security threats.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed the Committee’s unwavering support for the President’s security reforms, pledging to continue providing essential legislative backing, policy support, and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of these landmark initiatives.
He expressed confidence that the reforms would further enhance public trust in Nigeria’s Armed Forces, improve national security outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the establishment of lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development throughout the country.
