COAS Seeks Increased Private Sector Investment in Military Infrastructure, Veterans’ Welfare

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for greater private sector investment in military infrastructure, personnel welfare and support for veterans as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security and operational capabilities.

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 in Abuja.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said the country’s evolving security challenges require stronger collaboration between government institutions, the military and the private sector.

He commended the founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for what he described as sustained corporate interventions in support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Shaibu identified investment in rural infrastructure, particularly road networks, as an important component of both national security and economic development.

According to him, improved road connectivity would enhance troop mobility, facilitate rapid deployment to operational areas and improve military logistics. He added that better roads could stimulate economic activities in underserved communities while making it more difficult for criminal groups to exploit isolated settlements and difficult terrain as safe havens.

The COAS also identified the welfare of serving personnel, particularly soldiers wounded in action, and the continued care of retired military personnel as strategic priorities for the Nigerian Army.

He said access to quality healthcare and comprehensive welfare support was essential to maintaining troop morale, combat effectiveness and a motivated, mission-ready force.

Shaibu consequently expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investments in military healthcare and other projects supporting the Nigerian Army.

The Army Chief also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s operational structure from eight to 12 Divisions.

He described ASR Africa’s ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja, as a timely intervention that would support the Army’s expansion.

Shaibu urged other corporate organisations to emulate the initiative by investing in military infrastructure, personnel welfare and projects capable of contributing to national security and sustainable development.

Earlier, Udoh conveyed the goodwill of ASR Africa founder Abdul Samad Rabiu and disclosed that implementation of the Nigerian Army’s ₦2 billion allocation under the organisation’s ₦10 billion Security Sector Support Grant was progressing towards completion.

He reaffirmed ASR Africa’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army through interventions aimed at strengthening operational capacity, improving personnel welfare and contributing to peace, security and national development.