Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army to ensure the effective protection of critical national infrastructure, stressing that robust security is essential to boosting the nation’s economy.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge during a working visit to the Headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt on Friday, where he noted that the division’s role in safeguarding key national assets has a direct bearing on economic stability and growth.
Addressing the troops, the Army Chief emphasised that the protection of critical infrastructure remains central to the division’s mandate and must be carried out with discipline, commitment and dedication.
“Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country,” he said. “You therefore need to take your duties very seriously, with discipline, commitment and dedication to the mandate of this division.”
He assured officers and soldiers that their welfare remained a top priority for the Army leadership, pledging that all entitlements due to them would be fully addressed.
The COAS disclosed that he had received briefings from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division as well as brigade commanders, noting that some of the challenges raised had already been resolved.
“Be assured that your welfare issues, which are our topmost priority, will be taken care of. You will receive what you deserve and what is entitled to you in full,” he said.
He cited improvements in accommodation as one of the immediate interventions approved by the Army Headquarters, including the construction of additional housing units, the renovation of existing quarters and the completion of ongoing projects.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also revealed plans to improve access to quality education for the children of military personnel, describing it as part of broader efforts to enhance troop welfare.
He added that these measures were expected to ease some of the accommodation challenges faced by personnel, while urging troops to reciprocate by carrying out their duties conscientiously and professionally.
