By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Senate has restated its unwavering commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities through sustained collaboration and legislative support.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele.This assurance came during an oversight visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja, by the Senate Committee on Army led by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Yar’Adua said the exercise was part of the committee’s statutory oversight responsibilities to assess the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 Appropriation Acts.
According to him, the visit was aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective utilization of public funds earmarked for defence and security. He commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for facilitating seamless assessment visits to various Army formations, which, he noted, had revealed encouraging progress in project execution and operational deployment.
“The visit has given us firsthand insight into the state of infrastructure, logistics, and general readiness of the Nigerian Army,” Yar’Adua stated. “We are satisfied with what we have seen and will continue to advocate for the necessary support to enhance the Army’s performance.”
The Senator also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to national security and reiterated the Senate’s resolve to provide the legislative backing required for the Army to fulfil its constitutional mandate of defending the country and maintaining internal peace.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to the Senate Committee and President Tinubu for their consistent support to the military. He acknowledged the sacrifices made daily by personnel across the country and underscored the need for increased funding to boost morale and sustain ongoing operations.
General Oluyede highlighted some critical challenges confronting the Army, including inadequate operational resources, logistical constraints, and insufficient accommodation for personnel.
He called on the National Assembly to consider removing the Army from the envelope budgeting system, which he described as limiting, in order to ensure more flexible and responsive funding.
“We need the financial latitude to address pressing needs swiftly and effectively,” he said. “The Army remains committed to its duties, but we require robust backing to match the ever-evolving security demands of the country.”
The visit ended with a renewed pledge of cooperation between the legislative and military institutions to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and foster national stability.
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