By Danladi Ahmed
The Tinubu Media Volunteers has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s pay rise for the country’s armed forces, saying it is a major morale booster needed to improve ongoing national security efforts.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Segun Ogedengbe, the group described the wage increase as one of the dividends of the administration’s reforms.
The statement said, “It is noted that the federal government had announced an increase of between 30% and 80% in the salaries of the armed forces personnel. Based on the pay rise officers from colonel to Brigadier-General, Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General are to receive 30% increment.
“We consider the pay rise as long overdue especially with the numerous security challenges confronting the country. There is no doubt that the federal government gesture will boost the morale of the personnel to put in their best in the discharge of their onerous responsibilities.
“We also believe that the pay rise will guarantee a more secured country for all Nigerians. Definitely this increase has come at the right time bearing in mind the high level of insecurity that has bedeviled the country for several years.
“There is no doubt that the armed forces personnel who are at in the frontlines of confronting the terrorists and other violent criminals deserve an enhanced pay package, more so when the economy is beset with inflation in food items and other essential goods.
“Similarly, we also commend the federal government for the pay rise as it will boost the welfare of troops.
“We also recall that in a bid to ensure security across the country, the President Tinubu administration had acquired different equipment for the armed forces to improve their operational capacity.”
The group is convinced that the salary hike will go a long way to helping the military deliver on its mandate of securing the country against terrorist threats.