Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that funds approved for the recently announced salary increase for military personnel are transferred directly to the Armed Forces.

Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, made the call in a statement on Tuesday, describing the salary review as a positive step towards improving the welfare and morale of Nigerian troops.

President Tinubu had last week approved a salary increase for about 250,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Reacting to the development, Ndume said the government should ensure that the approved funds reach military personnel directly.

“The President should ensure direct transfer of these funds to the military. This, coming after his recent expansion of military divisions from eight to 12, shows that Mr President has his own blueprint aimed at dealing with the scourge of terrorism and banditry,” he said.

The senator said the salary review would help motivate soldiers and other military personnel, noting that he had consistently advocated better welfare and decent living conditions for members of the Armed Forces.

“President Tinubu has once again proved that he is a responsive leader who doesn’t shut his mind to genuine and legitimate agitation of Nigerians,” Ndume added.

However, the lawmaker stressed that improved salaries alone would not be enough to defeat insurgency and banditry.

He urged the Federal Government to complement the salary increase with the timely provision of arms, ammunition and other essential logistics needed by the military to effectively combat insecurity.