Kalu lauds salary increase for military personnel, urges troops to remain patriotic

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North)  has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a significant salary increase for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He described the decision as a timely demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of troops defending the nation’s territorial integrity.

President Tinubu recently approved a salary review of between 30 and 80 per cent for military personnel, with the new structure expected to take effect from September 1. The adjustment is projected to benefit about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, while increasing the federal government’s annual military wage bill by an estimated ₦264 billion.

Reacting to the development Wednesday via his official social media handle, Kalu said the decision deserves commendation as it reflects a clear understanding that the welfare of members of the Armed Forces must remain a national priority.

Nigerian servicemen and women,  he said ,   continue to make enormous sacrifices daily in defending the country’s sovereignty, protecting lives and confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across various theatres of operation.

“The decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a salary increase for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces deserves commendation.

“It reflects an understanding that the welfare of those who defend our nation should remain a priority,” he said.

He noted that improving the welfare of military personnel is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic investment in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

“As this important gesture is being implemented, I encourage our military and other security agencies to continue to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving Nigerians with courage, professionalism, fairness and respect for human dignity. Nothing inspires public confidence more than security personnel who carry out their constitutional responsibilities with dedication and integrity,” he said.