First Bank -Army move to deepen partnership for greater operational efficiency

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff says stronger collaboration between the military and the financial sector is vital for sustaining national security and economic stability.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu made the remarks on Thursday while receiving the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja. He said a secure environment allows financial institutions to thrive, making cooperation between security providers and economic actors essential.

The army chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to providing a safe environment for businesses and economic activities across thecountry. He said the Army’s engagement with partners goes beyond combat operations to include initiatives that improve personnel welfare and administrative efficiency.

Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that partnerships with established financial institutions could help meet the logistical and welfare needs of a modern army, adding that institutional stability was important in safeguarding the savings and wellbeing of personnel.

He said reliable banking systems play a key role in troop morale and operational effectiveness, and expressed the Army’s willingness to explore partnerships that support decentralised logistics and administration.

In his response, Mr Alebiosu praised the Nigerian Army’s role in protecting national sovereignty and security. He described the visit as a privilege and reaffirmed FirstBank’s commitment to supportingthe Army, particularly by improving financial access for pensioners and troops deployed in remote areas.