• Warns that delayed funding weakens national security response

From Adesuwa Tsan,

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on the newly confirmed defence minister, General Christopher Musa (retd), to champion the push for the Nigerian Army to be placed on first line charge, saying such a move was crucial for swift access to operational funds.

Ndume, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, made the call in a statement yesterday in Abuja, shortly after the Senate screened and confirmed General Musa as President Bola Tinubu’s nominee to succeed former defence dinister 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 that 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 was 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 the ongoing operations.”

He 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 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.”