Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has restated his commitment to ensuring the highest commitment of his administration to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families.
He stated that it would increase troops’ morale and ultimately improve operational effectiveness.
The statement on Tuesday revealed the development through the Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.
Lagbaja made the declaration in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Combat Arms Training Week on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
The COAS further stated that he considered this year’s CAT Week theme, “Sound Administration: A Panacea for Improved Combat Arms’ Efficiency in a Joint Environment,” to be very fitting and relevant.
He added that it aligns with one of the essential principles of his command’s philosophy, 'sound administration', and that it has been proven to be among several key factors that enhance the operational efficiency of all formidable military forces throughout history.
General Lagbaja, noting that he has spent a lot of time in the barracks, highlighted that he was aware of the challenges of poor barracks accommodation, infrastructure decay in army medical centers, schools, and other administrative issues that have had a negative impact on unit administration.
He disclosed that he has initiated intervention programs, specifically in the areas of accommodation, credit financing, and other family support schemes to increase troops’ morale and build family resilience, in order to bring relief to personnel and their families.
Lagbaja explained, 'We have so far structured our intervention plan to make it more encompassing and adaptive to the prevalent economic reality of the nation.'
The Army Chief clarified that this year’s CAT Week, being his first one as COAS, presents an opportunity to reaffirm his desire to improve the combat arms’ capabilities to fulfill the Nigerian Army’s constitutional obligations.
He urged the combat arms to utilize the skills and competencies inherent in the Support Corps to enhance their doctrine and capabilities needed to overcome contemporary threats.
Lagbaja thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army. He assured the unreserved loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA.
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the State’s Commissioner for Security and Homeland Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, also addressed participants at the CAT week, commending the courage and resilience of troops in facing the challenge of terrorism and insurgency in the country.
He emphasized that the extended presence of the ongoing operations has brought further relief to troubled areas and Kaduna State in particular.
He stated that the CAT week’s review of sound administration is in line with global best practices and demonstrates the mutual commitment to achieve a safe and secure Nigeria under the current leadership. He also revealed that efforts are being made to propose a security fund bill to promote the fight against security challenges.
The head of the Infantry Corps, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, previously stated that the CAT Week creates a chance for everyone involved to work together to deal with current security issues in the country.
The start of the CAT Week attracted people from various sectors like the economy, defense, security, and traditional institutions.
