**Says delayed funding cripples military operations
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has urged newly confirmed Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (rtd), to push for the Nigerian Army to be placed on First Line Charge to guarantee swift and unhindered release of funds for military operations.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, Ndume said the military should enjoy the same statutory funding status as INEC, the National Assembly, UBEC and the NDDC, all of which receive allocations directly from the Federation Account.
He argued that removing bureaucracy from military financing would eliminate delays that often stall the procurement of arms, ammunition and operational equipment at critical moments in battle.
“Gen. Musa should convince the President on the need to put the Army on First Line Charge,” Ndume said. “Beyond adequate funding, prompt disbursement is crucial. If the money doesn’t come in time, operations will suffer.”
The former Chief of Defence Staff, whose nomination was sent to the Senate to replace former Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru, was screened and confirmed on Wednesday.
Ndume insisted that security must be treated as a national priority, not a talking point. “The Constitution is clear: protection of lives and property is government’s primary duty. We must stop paying lip service to it,” he added.
He also urged Musa to prioritise troop welfare, stressing that Nigerian soldiers are not among the best-paid in West Africa.
“Something urgent must be done to show the men and women risking their lives that the country values their sacrifice,” he said.
