COAS Urges Corporate Investment in Military Infrastructure, Troops’ Welfare
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for increased private sector investment in military infrastructure, personnel welfare and veterans’ support, describing strategic partnerships as critical to strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness and accelerating national development.
The COAS 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.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his sustained support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria through impactful corporate interventions.
He noted that Nigeria’s evolving security environment demands stronger collaboration between government institutions, the military and the private sector to build national resilience and sustain ongoing security operations.
The Army Chief stressed that investments in critical rural infrastructure, particularly road networks, have significant security and economic benefits, noting that improved roads enhance troop mobility, facilitate rapid deployment, strengthen logistics and stimulate economic activities in underserved communities.
According to him, improved connectivity also denies criminal elements the opportunity to exploit difficult terrain and isolated settlements as operational hideouts.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also emphasized that the welfare of serving soldiers, particularly those wounded in action, as well as the care of retired personnel, remains a strategic priority for the Nigerian Army.
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He said quality healthcare and comprehensive welfare support for serving and retired personnel are essential to sustaining morale, preserving combat effectiveness and maintaining a highly motivated and mission-ready force.
The COAS expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their continued investment in military healthcare, describing the interventions as valuable contributions to the operational capability of the Nigerian Army.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, noting that the initiative would strengthen the Army’s operational capacity to address emerging security challenges across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further acknowledged ASR Africa’s ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja, describing the project as a timely intervention that complements the Army’s expansion programme.
He urged other corporate organisations to emulate ASR Africa by investing in projects that enhance military infrastructure, improve personnel welfare and contribute to national security and sustainable development.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, conveyed the goodwill of the organisation’s founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army.
He disclosed that implementation of the Nigerian Army’s ₦2 billion allocation under ASR Africa’s ₦10 billion Security Sector Support Grant was progressing steadily towards completion.
Udoh said the organisation would continue to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army through interventions aimed at improving operational capacity, personnel welfare and contributing to lasting peace, security and national development.
By PRNigeria
