From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The World Institute for Peace has called on the federal government to prioritize the welfare of the military personnel by allocating adequate resources for them.
The Executive Director of the institute, Dr Lamina Omotoyosi stated this while addressing a press conference.
He stressed the need for the government to ensure that the military personnel receive the best salary as a way of encouraging them for their services to the nation.
This, he said will not only enhance the capability of the military but also contribute to the overall stability and development of the country.
Dr. Lamina also opined that attractive renumeration for the nation’s military personnel will ginger them to do more in protecting the lives and properties of the citizens.
He also called for the deployment of more military personnel to the South West region considering the rate of insecurity in the region.
His words “Nigeria’s military personnel willingly put their lives on the line to protect the nation and the citizens. They face numerous risks, including combat operations, counter-terrorism efforts and peacekeeping missions.
“These brave men and women endure long separations from their families, endure physical and mental hardships and often make the ultimate sacrifice. Recognizing their sacrifices by providing them with the best salaries is not only a moral obligation but also a means to motivate and retain highly skilled personnel and to also, get more.
“A well-funded and adequately compensated military is essential for maintaining national security. Nigeria is currently facing various security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, and communal conflicts. To effectively combat these threats, the military must attract and retain highly skilled personnel.
“Paying impressive salary ensures that the military can recruit and retain the best talent, enhancing its operational capabilities and overall effectiveness. Providing military personnel with the best salary is a means of promoting professionalism and ethical conduct within the armed forces. Adequate compensation reduces the temptation for corruption and unethical practices, ensuring that military personnel remain focused on their duties and responsibilities.
“By rewarding their commitment and dedication, the military can foster a culture of integrity and professionalism, which is crucial to maintaining public trust and confidence. Offering them attractive salary will not only attract talented individuals but also motivate existing personnel to remain in service.
“Retention of experienced personnel ensures continuity, as they possess valuable knowledge, skills and operational experience that cannot be easily replaced. By providing the best salary, the military can reduce turnover rates and maintain a highly capable and motivated force,” he added.