The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a distressing report about the state of accommodation and resources for the Nigerian Army.
Speaking during a condolence visit by the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the Army Chief revealed a startling trend.
He disclosed that the Army recruits approximately 15,000 soldiers annually.
However, no accommodations have been provided for the thousands of recruits joining the force each year.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede painted a grim picture of how the lack of infrastructure could impact the future of the Nigerian Army.
He warned that if the nation achieves significant progress in addressing insecurity, the Army might face a housing crisis for its personnel.
“It’s deeply concerning,” he told the senators.
“For years, we’ve been bringing in 15,000 new recruits annually, yet not a single provision has been made for their accommodation,” Oluyede lamented.
He added, “This is an issue that haunts me. I wonder where these brave men and women will retire to when their service ends.”
The Acting COAS also raised the alarm about the shrinking budget allocations for the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the Army’s financial resources have steadily declined, even as the need for a robust and well-equipped force has grown.
Oluyede urged the National Assembly to prioritize the Army’s needs in the upcoming budget deliberations.
“Over time, the resources allocated to the Nigerian Army have been steadily decreasing,” he said.
“This forum is a good opportunity to ask that some critical issues be addressed regarding the Nigerian Army.”
He emphasized the need for better financial support, particularly in the area of modern combat equipment.
According to him, investing in technology is key to improving the Army’s ability to safeguard the nation.
“We need combat enablers, especially in the area of technology,” he stressed.
The Army Chief also made an emotional appeal to the Senate, urging them to recognize their role in making Nigeria safer.
“I need to reiterate that Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said.
“Without your support, securing Nigeria will be very difficult.”
Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s concerns come amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle with insecurity across various regions.
In recent years, the Army has played a crucial role in fighting insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national stability.
However, the lack of proper housing and equipment threatens to undermine these efforts.
His remarks also shed light on the human cost of the Army’s challenges.
Many recruits join the force with the hope of serving their country and building a future.
But the absence of adequate infrastructure raises questions about their long-term welfare.
Senator Yar’Adua, who led the Senate delegation, expressed sympathy with the Army Chief’s concerns.
He promised that the Senate would look into the issues raised during their budgetary discussions.
“We have heard your concerns, and we will do our best to address them,” Yar’Adua said.
He assured Oluyede that the Senate recognizes the critical role of the Army in securing the nation.
The meeting underscored the growing disconnect between the Army’s operational needs and the resources provided to meet them.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s appeal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better support for Nigeria’s military forces.
The Acting COAS stressed that securing Nigeria requires collective effort and commitment from all sectors of government.
“I appeal to you, the eminent leaders of Nigeria, to support us in making our job easier so we can better secure the nation,” he concluded.
