By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Army is seeking to deepen its longstanding partnership with Ecobank Nigeria to improve financial opportunities and welfare support for officers, soldiers and their families.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, when the Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Lawal, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS said the partnership between the Nigerian Army and Ecobank had lasted for more than two decades and remained mutually beneficial.
Shaibu noted that the relationship had contributed to the financial wellbeing of military personnel, stressing that strong institutional partnerships were important to maintaining a professional, resilient and motivated Army.
He directed the Army’s finance leadership to engage Ecobank on developing flexible financial schemes that would address the specific financial needs of officers and soldiers.
The Army Chief also called on the bank to expand its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions in support of the Army’s welfare programmes.
He particularly appealed for increased support for wounded-in-action personnel, widows and children of fallen military personnel.
According to him, greater intervention in these areas would contribute to improving the welfare of troops and their families.
Earlier, Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director, Bolaji Lawal, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its confidence in the bank and its partnership over the years.
Lawal said Ecobank was ready to strengthen the relationship by providing specialised financial services, insurance and lending solutions designed to improve financial inclusion among military personnel.
He said the proposed services would give officers and soldiers greater financial flexibility while addressing their unique banking and financial needs.
The Ecobank chief also disclosed plans to extend bespoke financial services to major Nigerian Army institutions and formations across the country.
Among the institutions identified were the Nigerian Defence Academy, Depot Nigerian Army, various Army Divisions and other formations.
Lawal said expanding access to tailored financial services across these institutions would further strengthen the partnership between Ecobank Nigeria and the Nigerian Army.
