By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for greater private sector investment in military infrastructure, troops’ welfare and veterans’ support, describing such partnerships as essential to strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness and accelerating national development.
He made the call on Friday, 24 July 2026, 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.
The COAS commended the Founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his sustained commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria through impactful corporate interventions.
He noted that the evolving security environment requires stronger collaboration among government institutions, the military and responsible private sector organisations to build national resilience and sustain ongoing security efforts. Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that investments in critical rural infrastructure, particularly road networks, have direct security and economic benefits.
He explained that improved road connectivity enhances the mobility of troops, facilitates rapid deployment to operational areas, improves logistics, stimulates economic activities in underserved communities and denies criminal elements the opportunity to exploit difficult terrain and isolated settlements as safe havens.
He further emphasized that the welfare of soldiers, especially those wounded in action, as well as the continued care of retired personnel who devoted their lives to defending the nation, remains a strategic priority. According to him, quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems for serving personnel and veterans are indispensable to sustaining morale, preserving combat effectiveness and maintaining a highly motivated and mission-ready force.
The COAS, therefore expressed profound appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their continued investments in military healthcare, describing such interventions as valuable contributions to the operational capability of the Nigerian Army.
Appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Shaibu also 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 supports the Nigerian Army’s ongoing expansion following the Presidential approval for increasing its operational structure from eight to twelve Divisions.
He urged other corporate organisations to emulate ASR Africa’s example by investing in initiatives that improve military infrastructure, personnel welfare and other projects that 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 Founder of ASR Africa, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu.
He 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 unwavering commitment to sustaining its strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army through interventions that strengthen operational capacity, improve personnel welfare and contribute meaningfully to peace, security and national development.
