By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for increased private sector investment in military infrastructure, troops’ welfare and veterans’ support, saying stronger partnerships are vital to enhancing national security, improving operational effectiveness and accelerating national development.
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS made the appeal 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, Abuja.
Shaibu commended the Founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for what he described as sustained support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria through impactful corporate interventions.
He noted that the country’s evolving security challenges require stronger collaboration among government institutions, the military and responsible private sector organisations to build national resilience and sustain ongoing security operations.
The Army Chief stressed that investment in critical rural infrastructure, especially road networks, has significant security and economic benefits.
According to him, improved road connectivity enhances troop mobility, enables rapid deployment to operational theatres, strengthens logistics, stimulates economic activities in underserved communities and denies criminal elements the opportunity to exploit difficult terrain and isolated settlements as safe havens.
Shaibu also underscored the importance of prioritising the welfare of soldiers, particularly those wounded in action, as well as retired personnel who dedicated their lives to defending the country.
He said quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems for serving and retired military personnel are essential to sustaining morale, preserving combat effectiveness and maintaining a mission-ready force.
The COAS expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their continued investments 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 and acknowledged ASR Africa’s ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja.
Describing the housing project as timely, Shaibu said it complements the Army’s expansion programme and urged other corporate organisations to emulate ASR Africa by investing in military infrastructure, personnel welfare and projects that enhance 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.
Udoh disclosed that implementation of the Nigerian Army’s ₦2 billion allocation under ASR Africa’s ₦10 billion Security Sector Support Grant is progressing steadily towards completion.
He reaffirmed ASR Africa’s commitment to sustaining its strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army through interventions aimed at strengthening operational capacity, improving personnel welfare and contributing to peace, security and national development.
COAS seeks private sector investment in military infrastructure, veterans’ welfare
