Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to increase its investment in military infrastructure, as well as in the welfare of troops and veterans. Shaibu emphasized the importance of such partnerships during a meeting with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), Dr. Ubon Udoh, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting highlighted the need for collaboration between government institutions, the military, and responsible private sector entities to enhance national security and operational effectiveness. Shaibu praised the efforts of ASR Africa and its Founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for their support of the Armed Forces through corporate interventions.
Shaibu pointed out that the evolving security landscape in Nigeria necessitates robust partnerships to build national resilience and ensure the success of security operations nationwide. He also stressed that investments in rural infrastructure, particularly roads, offer direct security and economic benefits, improving troop mobility and logistics.
The welfare of wounded soldiers and veterans is a strategic priority, according to Shaibu, who emphasized the need for quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems to maintain morale and combat effectiveness. He thanked BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investment in military healthcare, recognizing it as a significant contribution to the Army’s capabilities.
The COAS acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s approval for expanding the Army from eight to 12 divisions to bolster national security. He also noted ASR Africa’s construction of 120 accommodation units at Giri, Abuja, which aligns with the Army’s expansion and welfare objectives under the ‘Soldier First’ policy.
Shaibu encouraged other corporate entities to follow ASR Africa’s lead in investing in military infrastructure and national security efforts. During the meeting, Udoh conveyed Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu’s goodwill and reaffirmed ASR Africa’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army through projects that enhance operational capacity and personnel welfare.
Udoh highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Nigerian Army’s N2 billion allocation under ASR Africa’s N10 billion Security Sector Support Grant, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to peace, security, and national development across Nigeria.