By Ameh Gabriel
The Nigerian Army has restated its commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly (NASS), particularly the Senate, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance national security and operational efficiency.
This assurance was reiterated during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Army, led by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja. The visit formed part of the committee’s oversight responsibilities concerning the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 Appropriation Acts.
In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Senator Yar’Adua underscored the importance of the visit, which aimed to evaluate how appropriated funds are being utilized and to assess the progress of ongoing projects across Nigerian Army formations.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for the transparent and well-coordinated conduct of the committee’s visits to various formations. According to him, the visits provided valuable firsthand insight into the Army’s activities and project implementation.
Senator Yar’Adua also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing national security and pledged the Senate’s continued support in enabling the military to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the armed forces, and to the Senate Committee for its consistent oversight and encouragement.
He highlighted some of the Nigerian Army’s key operational challenges, including limited accommodation for troops and logistical constraints. The COAS emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and advocated for the removal of the Army from the envelope budgeting system to enable more flexible and responsive resource allocation.
Oluyede also acknowledged the sacrifices of Army personnel in the line of duty and reiterated the Army’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation and maintain peace.
The oversight visit marks another step in the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army and the legislative arm toward addressing security challenges and building a more resilient and well-resourced military.
