By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding critical energy infrastructure and strengthening partnerships that support Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the COAS stated this on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr Tony Attah, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described energy security as an important component of national security, noting that the protection of strategic energy assets is essential to sustaining industrial productivity, economic stability and national development.
He assured the delegation of the Nigerian Army’s continued support towards securing critical national infrastructure and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities to thrive.
The Army Chief also underscored the importance of sustained engagement between energy companies and their host communities. He commended Renaissance Africa Energy for its efforts towards building constructive relationships with communities within its areas of operation, stressing that mutual trust, dialogue and shared interests remain vital to promoting peace and stability.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further noted that the ongoing expansion and transformation of the Nigerian Army would strengthen its operational reach and responsiveness to emerging security challenges.
He explained that the expansion of formations, supported by improvements in manpower, infrastructure and capabilities, would enhance the Army’s capacity to protect critical national assets and support the Federal Government’s broader development objectives.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr Tony Attah, commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices in securing the country and protecting strategic economic assets, particularly in challenging operational environments.
He acknowledged the importance of a secure operating environment to the sustainability of the energy sector and pledged the company’s continued commitment to advancing energy security, indigenous capacity development and industrialisation in Nigeria.
