COAS Seeks Greater Private Sector Investment in Military Infrastructure, Veterans’ Welfare
By Brown Chimezie
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for greater private sector investment in military infrastructure, troop welfare and veterans’ support, describing such partnerships as critical to strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness and accelerating national development.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call on Friday, July 24, 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 in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, 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 country’s 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.
The Army Chief stressed that investments in critical rural infrastructure, particularly road networks, have direct security and economic benefits. He explained that improved road connectivity enhances troop mobility, facilitates rapid deployment to operational areas, strengthens logistics, stimulates economic activities in underserved communities and denies criminal elements the opportunity to exploit difficult terrain and isolated settlements as safe havens.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also emphasised that the welfare of serving personnel, especially soldiers wounded in action, as well as the continued care of retired personnel who dedicated 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, mission-ready force.
He expressed profound appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their continued investments in military healthcare, describing the interventions as significant contributions to the Nigerian Army’s operational capability.
The COAS also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 operational divisions. He 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 Army’s expansion programme.
He urged other corporate organisations to emulate ASR Africa by investing in initiatives that improve military infrastructure, personnel welfare and 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 organisation’s founder, 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.
Dr Udoh reaffirmed ASR Africa’s commitment to sustaining its strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army through interventions aimed at strengthening operational capacity, improving personnel welfare and contributing meaningfully to peace, security and national development.
