The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army to tighten security around critical national infrastructure, warning that lapses in protecting key assets could negatively affect the nation’s economy.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday during a working visit to the Headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt.
Addressing officers and men of the division, the Army Chief stressed that safeguarding vital national facilities 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,” Shaibu said.
“You need to take your job very seriously—be disciplined, committed and dedicated to the mandate of this division,” he added.
The COAS assured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority under his leadership, pledging that all entitlements due to personnel would be fully addressed.
“While you do your job, be rest assured that I will take care of your welfare issues, which are topmost priority. You will get what you deserve, what you are entitled to, in one piece,” he said.
Shaibu disclosed that he had been briefed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division and brigade commanders on operational challenges, noting that some of the issues raised had already been resolved.
He announced the approval of additional accommodation projects, renovation of existing quarters and the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects to ease housing challenges faced by personnel.
“I have been briefed by the GOC and all your brigade commanders. Some of the challenges raised were addressed immediately,” he said.
“For instance, on accommodation, we have approved the construction of additional houses, renovation of some quarters and the completion of ongoing projects,” Shaibu added.
The Army Chief also revealed plans to improve access to quality education for the children of military personnel, stressing that enhanced welfare would motivate troops to perform their duties diligently.
“Once this is done, it will go a long way in mitigating accommodation challenges here. In terms of quality education for your children, that is also being looked into,” he said.
He, however, reminded the troops that improved welfare comes with responsibility, urging them to carry out their duties conscientiously and remain professional in the discharge of their mandate.
