Ndume urges Army first line charge to boost security funding

From Adesuwa Tsan

Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has called on the newly confirmed Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd), to champion the campaign for the Nigerian Army to be placed on first line charge, stating such a move is crucial for swift access to operational funds.

Ndume, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, shortly after the Senate screened and confirmed General Musa as President Bola Tinubu’s nominee to succeed former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru.

He argued that granting the Army the same budgetary status as agencies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Assembly, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) would eliminate administrative delays that frequently obstruct the acquisition of essential equipment for frontline troops.

“General Musa should work towards ensuring the Nigerian Army is placed on First Line Charge,” Ndume said.

“While I commend his appointment, which many Nigerians agree is well-earned, he must persuade the President and Commander-in-Chief on the necessity of this change.”

The Borno South senator, a persistent advocate for strengthened military capacity, stressed that timely release of funds is central to the success of operations across conflict zones.

“Yes, the armed forces need adequate funding, but the speed of disbursement is even more vital,” he said. “He must ensure that the services receive their capital allocations in full, because any shortfall or delay directly affects ongoing operations.”

Ndume reminded the government that protecting citizens is its core constitutional obligation, adding that bureaucratic bottlenecks in military financing undermine this duty.

“There is simply no excuse for holding back funds meant for the military—whether for procurement or other strategic requirements,” he said. “Security is too important to be treated casually.”

He further urged General Musa to prioritise the welfare of officers and soldiers, insisting that Nigerian troops remain poorly compensated compared to their counterparts in neighbouring countries.

“My stand on improving welfare for our Armed Forces is already well-known,” he said. “Our troops are not the best paid in the West African region. Urgent action is needed to demonstrate that their sacrifices are recognised and valued.”