COAS Calls For Greater Private Sector Investment In Military Infrastructure
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to increase investment in military infrastructure, personnel welfare and veterans' support, describing such partnerships as vital to strengthening Nigeria's security architecture and promoting national development.
Speaking 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 in Abuja, the COAS said collaboration between the military, government institutions and responsible corporate organisations is essential in addressing the country's evolving security challenges.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, General Shaibu commended ASR Africa founder and BUA Group Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his continued support to the Armed Forces through various corporate interventions.
The Army Chief stressed that investment in critical infrastructure, particularly rural roads, would improve troop mobility, speed up deployment to operational areas, strengthen logistics and stimulate economic activities in underserved communities. He noted that improved access roads would also make it more difficult for criminal groups to use remote areas as hideouts.
General Shaibu further highlighted the importance of prioritising the welfare of serving personnel, especially soldiers wounded in action, as well as retired officers who dedicated their lives to national service. He said quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems remain crucial to maintaining a motivated and combat-ready force.
He expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investments in military healthcare and described the interventions as significant contributions to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions. He praised ASR Africa for constructing 120 accommodation units for corporals and other junior soldiers at Giri, Abuja, describing the project as timely and supportive of the Army's expansion programme.
He encouraged other private sector organisations to emulate ASR Africa by investing in projects that enhance military infrastructure, improve personnel welfare and strengthen national security.
Earlier, ASR Africa Managing Director, Dr Ubon Udoh, conveyed the goodwill of the organisation's founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, and disclosed that work on the Nigerian Army's ₦2 billion allocation under the foundation's ₦10 billion Security Sector Support Grant was progressing steadily.
Udoh reaffirmed ASR Africa's commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army through initiatives aimed at boosting operational capacity, improving personnel welfare and contributing to peace, security and national development.
Speaking 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 in Abuja, the COAS said collaboration between the military, government institutions and responsible corporate organisations is essential in addressing the country's evolving security challenges.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, General Shaibu commended ASR Africa founder and BUA Group Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his continued support to the Armed Forces through various corporate interventions.
The Army Chief stressed that investment in critical infrastructure, particularly rural roads, would improve troop mobility, speed up deployment to operational areas, strengthen logistics and stimulate economic activities in underserved communities. He noted that improved access roads would also make it more difficult for criminal groups to use remote areas as hideouts.
General Shaibu further highlighted the importance of prioritising the welfare of serving personnel, especially soldiers wounded in action, as well as retired officers who dedicated their lives to national service. He said quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems remain crucial to maintaining a motivated and combat-ready force.
He expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investments in military healthcare and described the interventions as significant contributions to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions. He praised ASR Africa for constructing 120 accommodation units for corporals and other junior soldiers at Giri, Abuja, describing the project as timely and supportive of the Army's expansion programme.
He encouraged other private sector organisations to emulate ASR Africa by investing in projects that enhance military infrastructure, improve personnel welfare and strengthen national security.
Earlier, ASR Africa Managing Director, Dr Ubon Udoh, conveyed the goodwill of the organisation's founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, and disclosed that work on the Nigerian Army's ₦2 billion allocation under the foundation's ₦10 billion Security Sector Support Grant was progressing steadily.
Udoh reaffirmed ASR Africa's commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army through initiatives aimed at boosting operational capacity, improving personnel welfare and contributing to peace, security and national development.
