By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for greater private sector investment in military infrastructure, troops’ welfare and veterans’ support.
Shaibu made the call on Friday, while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), Dr Ubon Udoh, and his delegation at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Friday in Abuja.
The COAS said such partnerships were essential to strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness and accelerating national development.
He commended the Founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for supporting the Armed Forces through impactful corporate interventions.
He said Nigeria’s evolving security environment required stronger collaboration among government institutions, the military and responsible private sector organisations.
According to him, such partnerships will build national resilience and sustain ongoing security operations across the country.
Shaibu said investments in critical rural infrastructure, particularly roads, had direct security and economic benefits for military operations and host communities.
He said improved road networks would enhance troop mobility, facilitate rapid deployment and strengthen logistics support to operational theatres.
The army chief added that better connectivity would stimulate economic activities while denying criminal elements safe havens in isolated and difficult terrains.
He said the welfare of wounded soldiers and retired personnel who devoted their lives to defending the nation remained a strategic priority.
According to him, quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems are indispensable to sustaining morale, preserving combat effectiveness and maintaining a highly motivated force.
Shaibu thanked BUA Group and ASR Africa for investing in military healthcare, describing the intervention as a valuable contribution to the Nigerian Army’s operational capability.
He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to strengthen national security.
The COAS acknowledged ASR Africa’s ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for corporals and below at Giri, Abuja, describing it as a timely intervention.
He said the housing project would support the army’s ongoing expansion and improve personnel welfare under the “Soldier First” policy.
Shaibu urged other corporate organisations to emulate ASR Africa by investing in military infrastructure, personnel welfare and other national security initiatives.
Earlier, Udoh conveyed the goodwill of ASR Africa Founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, to the COAS and the Nigerian Army leadership.
He disclosed that implementation of the Nigerian Army’s N2 billion allocation under ASR Africa’s N10 billion Security Sector Support Grant was progressing steadily.
Udoh reaffirmed ASR Africa’s commitment to sustaining its strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army through projects that strengthen operational capacity and improve personnel welfare.
He said the organisation would continue supporting initiatives that contribute meaningfully to peace, security and national development across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba