When BAT Took Over, A Private Was Paid N49K, I Complained, Now A Private Is Paid N187K Monthly-Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what he described as progress in addressing security challenges and improving the welfare of Nigerian military personnel.

The Borno South senator made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, where he discussed developments in the country’s security sector and highlighted some of the changes he had observed since the current administration assumed office.

Speaking about the security situation in his hometown of Gwoza, Borno State, Ndume revealed that he recently visited the area without an escort and attended the Muslim Friday congregational prayer.

According to the lawmaker, his visit provided an opportunity to observe the security situation firsthand. However, he explained that although he was able to travel to the community, military personnel still had to conduct security checks along the route before he could safely return.

Ndume disclosed that the security procedures affected his travel schedule, forcing him to spend several hours waiting for soldiers to inspect the road for possible threats.

He explained that he had initially planned to leave around 6 a.m. but could not begin the journey as scheduled because of the security arrangements. He eventually arrived at his destination at approximately 2 p.m.

Despite the delay, the senator presented his experience as an indication of the security measures being implemented by troops to protect travellers and prevent attacks along vulnerable routes.

Moving away from the security situation, Ndume also highlighted improvements in the financial welfare of military personnel, particularly soldiers holding the rank of private.

He recalled that when President Tinubu took office, a private in the Nigerian Army reportedly received a monthly salary of ₦49,000. He said he had publicly criticised the amount at the time, arguing that military personnel deserved better remuneration considering the risks associated with their duties.

However, according to the senator, the monthly pay has since increased to ₦187,000, representing a significant improvement compared with the previous figure.

While making his point during the interview, Ndume said: “When this government of Tinubu took over, a private was paid ₦49,000 a month; I came here and complained; now a private is receiving ₦187,000 per month. Is that not an achievement?”

The former Senate Chief Whip argued that the salary adjustment should be recognised as one of the administration’s contributions towards improving the living conditions of military personnel.

He referred to the provision of additional aviation equipment for the Nigerian Air Force and disclosed that the administration had reportedly paid for 12 Apache helicopters, which he described as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.

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