COAS seeks private sector investment in military infrastructure, veterans’ welfare

Niger's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for increased private sector investment to bolster military infrastructure, enhance troop welfare, support veterans, and strengthen national security. Shaibu made this appeal during a meeting with Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director and CEO of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Initiative), and his delegation at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

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essential to strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness and accelerating national development.

Shaibu emphasized that private sector partnerships are crucial for fortifying national security, improving operational effectiveness, and accelerating national development. He commended Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, for his consistent support of the Nigerian Armed Forces through impactful corporate initiatives. The Army Chief noted that the current security landscape necessitates stronger collaboration between government bodies, the military, and responsible private organizations to build national resilience and sustain ongoing security efforts.

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for his sustained commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria through impactful corporate interventions.

The Chief of Army Staff also stressed the direct security and economic advantages of investing in critical rural infrastructure, particularly road networks. He explained that better road connectivity enhances troop mobility, enables rapid deployment to operational zones, improves logistics, stimulates economic activity in underserved communities, and prevents criminal elements from exploiting difficult terrain and isolated settlements as safe havens.

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stronger collaboration among government institutions, the military and responsible private sector organisations to build national resilience and sustain ongoing security efforts.

Furthermore, Shaibu underscored the strategic priority placed on the welfare of soldiers, especially those wounded in action, and the continued care for retired personnel. He stated that quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems for both active and veteran personnel are indispensable for maintaining morale, preserving combat effectiveness, and ensuring a highly motivated and mission-ready force. He expressed deep appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their ongoing investments in military healthcare, recognizing these interventions as valuable contributions to the Nigerian Army's operational capabilities. The Army Chief also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army and highlighted ASR Africa's construction of 120 accommodation units for junior ranks in Abuja as a timely intervention.

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enhances the mobility of troops, facilitates rapid deployment to operational areas, improves logistics, stimulates economic activities in underserved communities and denies criminal elements the opportunity to exploit difficult terrain and isolated settlements as safe havens.