The Minority Caucus of Nigeria's House of Representatives has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government, calling for immediate and significant improvements in the welfare of military personnel. The lawmakers argue that this step is non-negotiable for winning the protracted war against insecurity plaguing the nation.
A Call for Action on Armed Forces Remembrance Day
This urgent plea was made public in a statement released on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, to commemorate this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day. The caucus, led by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, used the solemn occasion to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by troops on the front lines. They pointed to a triad of critical issues: poor welfare conditions, inadequate equipment, and insufficient logistics, which they say continue to cripple the effectiveness of security operations across the country.
Welfare as a Cornerstone for National Security
The lawmakers paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of both fallen and serving heroes. However, they stressed that gratitude must be matched with tangible support. The caucus firmly believes that soldiers who daily risk their lives in defense of Nigeria's sovereignty deserve far better backing from the state. They detailed that a comprehensive approach is needed, which includes:
- Improved living conditions and timely payment of allowances.
- Access to quality healthcare and insurance coverage.
- Substantial support for the families of fallen heroes.
- Enhanced funding for the procurement of modern military hardware.
The statement argued that such improved welfare packages would directly translate to a major boost in troop morale and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the caucus linked national security directly to prosperity, noting that the prevailing insecurity remains a severe threat to economic growth, social stability, and overall national development.
Legislative Oversight and Transparency Promised
Beyond making demands, the Minority Caucus assured Nigerian citizens of its commitment to active legislative oversight. They pledged to pursue necessary legislative interventions and ensure that defence budgets are utilized with full transparency. The ultimate goal is to guarantee that the Armed Forces receive and properly manage the adequate resources required to protect lives and property effectively.
The historic statement was jointly endorsed by key minority leadership figures: the Minority Leader, Rep. O.K. Chinda; the Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C.; the Deputy Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki; and the Deputy Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi. This unified front underscores the critical importance they place on resolving the military's welfare challenges as a foundational step toward restoring peace across Nigeria.
