PERMANENT SECRETARY PLEDGES MINISTRY’S SUPPORT TO ARMY IN STRENGTHENING CIVIL-MILITARY SYNERGY

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, has paid a strategic familiarisation visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 26th February, 2026. The visit was aimed at reinforcing the institutional bond and collaboration between the Ministry and the Nigerian Army.

In a statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations through the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, said the Permanent Secretary informed that the visit was to strengthen institutional engagements with the Army. Mr Pheelangwa reiterated the Ministry’s determination to resolving administrative bottlenecks, ensuring budgetary performance and execution, timely delivery of services, as well as transparent procurement processes.

Pheelangwa further stated that the Ministry is committed towards supporting the Military to achieve its national goals of protecting the lives of citizens in the most effective and efficient manner. He also emphasised the importance of welfare and human capital development, highlighting the Ministry’s ongoing engagement with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to achieve more positive outcomes.

In his response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, underscored the urgent need for the expansion of the Aviation wing of the military to facilitate timely response to security challenges. He described it as one of the key enablers for military operations. Lt. Gen. Shaibu also called for an increase in the number of armed drones, timely releases of the capital budget, adequate accommodation facilities for newly recruited troops, and the provision of permanent teaching staff in defence schools. He noted that these areas require urgent attention to enhance the Military’s combat efficiency and overall effectiveness. The Army Chief however assured the Ministry of the Army’s full cooperation in the attainment of the desired national goals.

Present at the event from the Ministry were the Director of Press and Public Relations, the Director of Army Affairs, and Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters.