By Aaron Ossai
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a comprehensive upward review of the salaries and welfare package of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as the strategic expansion and reorganisation of the Nigerian Army through the creation of four additional divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Committee, Hon. 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 gallant military personnel.
According to the Committee Chairman, 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.
Hon. Benson also applauded the President’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve 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 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,” the statement noted.
The Committee 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.
The House Committee on Defence reaffirmed its unwavering support for the President’s security reforms and pledged to continue providing the necessary legislative backing, policy support and oversight required to ensure the successful implementation of these landmark initiatives.
The Committee 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.
