Hobnob News – Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has raised concerns over the poor welfare of Nigerian soldiers, describing their ₦5,000 daily feeding allowance and average ₦100,000 monthly salary as grossly inadequate for men and women risking their lives on the battlefield.
Ndume, who represents Borno South and once chaired the Senate Committee on Army, made the remarks in a statement on Thursday, urging President Bola Tinubu not to succumb to growing calls for the removal of the Service Chiefs.
His comments followed demands by the Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum, led by Dominic Alancha, which accused the military leadership of incompetence and called for their immediate dismissal.
The senator dismissed the criticism as politically motivated, insisting that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is the result of poor funding, inadequate logistics, and lack of motivation for troops rather than leadership failure.
“Those pushing for the sacking of the Service Chiefs have ulterior motives. It is outlandish to accuse them of incompetence. What our soldiers need are proper equipment, adequate ammunition, and real motivation,” Ndume said.
Highlighting the hardship faced by troops, he stressed that the current welfare package is demoralising and called for urgent reforms.
“The salary of a private in the Nigerian Army is about ₦100,000 per month. Their daily allowance of ₦5,000 is unconscionable and nothing to write home about. People should stop making statements that could further dampen soldiers’ morale,” he added.
Ndume further urged the government to adopt a TEAM approach – Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation – as the framework for tackling insurgency, banditry, and terrorism across the country.
He also commended President Tinubu for what he described as an inclusive approach in appointing Service Chiefs, saying the current leadership reflects a better ethno-religious balance compared to previous administrations.
The senator concluded by stressing that improved funding, modern equipment, and enhanced welfare remain the surest ways to boost troop morale and secure lasting victories against insecurity.
