By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for members of the Armed Forces, describing the move as one of the most significant welfare interventions for military personnel in decades.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group also praised the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for what it described as their sustained advocacy for improved welfare and working conditions for officers and soldiers.
HURIWA said the pay increase was a long-overdue recognition of the sacrifices made by troops engaged in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry and other security operations across the country.
”For too long, the brave men and women of the Armed Forces have borne the crushing weight of Nigeria’s security burdens while receiving remuneration that fell far short of the enormous risks they confront daily,” the group stated.
It added that the salary review goes beyond improved earnings, saying it reflects government recognition that national security depends largely on the welfare and motivation of military personnel.
”This salary increase is more than an adjustment in figures; it is a long-overdue recognition that those who stand between the Nigerian people and forces of anarchy deserve dignity, respect and economic security,” HURIWA said.
The rights group, however, urged the Federal Government not to allow the initiative to remain a one-off intervention.
According to HURIWA, the salary increase should be institutionalised through legislation to ensure regular reviews in line with inflation, economic realities and the cost of living.
The organisation called on the Federal Government to establish an Armed Forces Welfare and Remuneration Commission, backed by an Act of the National Assembly, to periodically review military salaries, allowances and retirement benefits.
”The welfare of those defending the nation should never depend on discretionary political decisions or the goodwill of any administration,” it stated.
HURIWA also advocated a comprehensive military family support programme, including improved housing, quality healthcare, educational scholarships for children of serving and fallen personnel, expanded life insurance, mortgage facilities, psychological rehabilitation for combat veterans and faster pension administration.
The group further stressed that improved remuneration should be complemented by sustained investment in modern military hardware, artificial intelligence-driven surveillance systems, combat aviation, cyber warfare capabilities, satellite intelligence, indigenous defence production and continuous professional training.
It urged the National Assembly to enact a Military Welfare Protection Act that would guarantee periodic salary reviews and shield military welfare from political transitions and economic uncertainties.
According to HURIWA, enhanced welfare should also translate into improved discipline, professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights by military personnel.
”History has shown that nations that neglect the welfare of their armed forces eventually pay a far greater price in insecurity, instability and national decline,” the statement added.
The organisation congratulated President Tinubu for approving the salary increase and urged the administration to build on the initiative by putting in place enduring policies that would safeguard the welfare of serving and retired military personnel as well as their families.
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