Should Nigerian Army get more funding?

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai, recently demanded increased funding of the Nigerian military for its being ‘in a state of war’. Daily Trust sought the opinions of some Nigerians on this.   Muhammad Tanko Shittu, Journalist Security is a key component to the development and growth of every nation, so […]

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai, recently demanded increased funding of the Nigerian military for its being ‘in a state of war’. Daily Trust sought the opinions of some Nigerians on this.

 

Muhammad Tanko Shittu, Journalist

Security is a key component to the development and growth of every nation, so countries put in their best to ensure the protection of lives and property of their citizens. Nigeria shouldn’t be an exception. No country in the world can have good performance from its security operatives without adequate funding, more so in this technological age. Looking at our security challenges, one shouldn’t hesitate to support the idea of injecting adequate funds into the security architecture.
Nigeria is a country that doesn’t produce even simple arms and ammunition, talk less of the sophisticated arms driven by high technology. Therefore, our security agencies deserve increased in funding, not only for the equipping of the military, but also for the overall welfare of all the security operatives. The appeal made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, is indeed a clarion call at this time of pressing need, which I vehemently advocate for. May I also advocate that a special trust fund be set up for the purpose of funding the military.

 

Peter Azi, Public Affairs Commentator

The increase of funding for the Nigerian Army is necessary, if not compulsory, considering the poor infrastructure in the barracks, inadequate arms and ammunition and inconsistent payment of welfare of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who are at the warfront.
I support the increment, but I advise that the disbursement and implementation be monitored in order to ensure that it is judiciously spent. The Nigerian Army needs to have modern technological equipment, sophisticated arms and ammunition in order to win the war against Boko Haram terrorists. The equipment are expensive.

 

Talatu Moses, Businesswoman

Looking at the fight against terrorism, the army achieved a lot with the available funds in building and reconstructing facilities across its formations and barracks nationwide. I want people to know that war is very expensive. Logistics, arms and ammunition should be purchased and infrastructure put in place so that the military will be in high spirit. Considering the fact that this has been an ongoing war for years, more funding should be committed.

 

Aisha Muhammad Kabir, Teacher

I don’t support more funding for the Nigerian Army because trillions of naira was budgeted for the fight against Boko Haram and for other insecurity issues, but yet the terrorists wax stronger. What needs to be done is to ensure the money meant for security is not diverted and is spent judiciously. A lot of soldiers were complaining of non-payment of their welfare, and their money was budgeted and disbursed. Why didn’t it get to them?
So, I advocate for the setting up of a monitoring team in order to make sure money budgeted for security is judiciously spent.

 

Victor Bisong Egbe, 30, Artist

Nigerian Government is indeed doing a lot, but looking at the security challenge in the country and the budget allocation made each year, there is need for the government to look at the funding of the Nigerian military and all other agencies saddled with the responsibility of security in the nation.
With border issues, insurgency, militancy and other security challenges, there is a stronger need for increase in military funding in Nigeria, but with checks and balances that will ensure the appropriated fund don’t end up in someone’s personal pocket.

 

Samuel Gaji, 27, Student

As important as security is to any nation, I believe there is a need for the Nigerian Army to be properly funded. Nigeria is presently facing a lot of security challenges, and without peace, nothing can go smoothly. Their role in development and the survival of the nation is very vital.
It is sad that Nigeria lost a number of its soldiers to insurgents simply because they lacked weapons to protect themselves, not to talk of protecting others.
Also, Nigeria is not isolated. We have seen how other countries fund their military, even though they face less security challenges. We should brace up and take this insecurity issue very serious by allocating more funds to the military.

 

Abdullahi Muhammed Abubakar, 44, Businessman

The issue is not that of funding alone, but also the need for the military personnel welfare to be taken into consideration. Judging from what we have been hearing, Nigerian soldiers’ welfare, especially that of lower ranks, is very poor.
Let the soldiers be motivated, let there be a good package for any national hero and let soldiers have the belief that if they die their families will not suffer. When all these have been done, then we can talk of funding the military to fight for the nation. I believe with or without good weapons, soldiers wouldn’t fight effectively if they know that if they die on the battlefield it means doom for their families. However, the funding is equally vital, as we are all aware, the Nigerian army needs more funding to acquire modern weapons.