Odita Sunday 
COAS woos private sector to invest in military infrastructure, soldiers’ welfare
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to increase investment in military infrastructure, troops’ welfare and veterans’ support, saying such partnerships are critical to strengthening national security and boosting the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
The appeal came on Friday when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), Dr. Ubon Udoh, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief commended the Founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his consistent support to the Armed Forces through impactful corporate social investments.
Shaibu said the country’s changing security landscape demands stronger collaboration between the military, government institutions and the organised private sector to build national resilience and sustain security operations.
He noted that investment in rural infrastructure, particularly roads, would not only improve economic activities but also enhance troop mobility, facilitate faster deployment to operational areas, strengthen logistics and deny criminal elements access to remote hideouts.
The COAS maintained that the welfare of serving personnel, especially soldiers wounded in action, and retired military personnel remains a strategic priority.
According to him, quality healthcare and robust welfare programmes are essential to maintaining troop morale, preserving combat readiness and ensuring an effective fighting force.
Shaibu praised BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investments in military healthcare, describing the interventions as significant contributions to the Nigerian Army’s operational capability.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and lauded ASR Africa for constructing 120 housing units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja.
The Army Chief described the housing project as a timely intervention in support of the Army’s expansion programme and urged other corporate organisations to support military infrastructure, personnel welfare and national security initiatives.
Speaking earlier, ASR Africa Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Ubon Udoh, conveyed the goodwill of the organisation’s Founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu.
He revealed that work on the Nigerian Army’s ₦2 billion allocation under ASR Africa’s ₦10 billion Security Sector Support Grant is progressing steadily towards completion.
Udoh reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Nigerian Army through projects that enhance operational capacity, improve the welfare of personnel and contribute to lasting peace, security and national development.
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