By Bode Olagoke
Abuja
The sub-committee on Defence Infrastructure at the national conference, has recommended that the civilian oversight of the Armed forces as it presently exists should continue for efficiency in the Nigerian Army.
The committee also believed that the current Armed forces Act should be reviewed to eliminate the areas that are inconsistent with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, citing the benefit of enhanced morale and welfare of servicemen as reasons.
Chairman of the sub-committee, Major Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga (rtd), disclosed this yesterday when his committee briefed the main committee on National Security on their finding and recommendations, saying the reserve system for the Armed forces should be activated.
The committee said care must be taken in making appointments into offices of the service chiefs, ensuring seniority and merit in order to minimise the current high rate of attrition of senior officers.
Other recommendations made by the committee to reposition the Armed forces, include equipping the army properly to make them readily deployable.
“Adequate funding of the Armed forces of not less than 2.3 per cent of the GDP is recommended.
“Funding of Armed forces should be done on first line charge to ensure uninterrupted flow of funds consistent with requirements of absolute state of military preparedness,” he submitted.
The committee said there was need for the Legion Act to be replaced with Federation Act, urging the federal government to urgently pay the 36 outstanding pension arrears including the withheld 20% owed veterans.
