The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger private sector partnerships to improve military infrastructure, enhance troops’ welfare, support veterans, and strengthen national security.
Shaibu 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 in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief described collaboration with the private sector as critical to strengthening national security, improving operational effectiveness, and driving national development.
He 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.
Shaibu noted that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges require closer cooperation among government institutions, the military, and responsible private sector organisations to build national resilience and sustain ongoing security operations.
He stressed that investments in critical infrastructure, particularly rural road networks, would improve troop mobility, accelerate deployment to operational areas, strengthen logistics, stimulate economic activities, and deny criminal elements safe havens in remote communities.
The COAS also highlighted the importance of prioritising the welfare of serving personnel, especially soldiers wounded in action, as well as retired military personnel who dedicated their lives to defending the country.
According to him, quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems for serving troops and veterans are essential to maintaining morale, preserving combat effectiveness, and ensuring a highly motivated and mission-ready force.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their continued investments in military healthcare and infrastructure, describing the interventions as significant contributions to the Nigerian Army’s operational capability.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, noting that ASR Africa’s ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja, is a timely intervention supporting the Army’s expansion.
The Army Chief urged more corporate organisations to emulate ASR Africa by investing in projects that strengthen military infrastructure, improve personnel welfare, and contribute to national security and sustainable development.
Earlier, Dr. Ubon Udoh conveyed the goodwill of ASR Africa founder Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, revealing that implementation of the Nigerian Army’s ₦2 billion allocation under ASR Africa’s ₦10 billion Security Sector Support Grant is progressing steadily.
He reaffirmed ASR Africa’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army through initiatives aimed at enhancing operational capacity, improving personnel welfare, and promoting peace, security, and national development.
