Gen. Lagbaja Vows Enhanced Welfare for Nigerian Army Personnel

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has reaffirmed his dedication to elevating the standard of administration to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families. Emphasizing the crucial link between welfare and operational effectiveness, Gen. Lagbaja made this commitment during the opening ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.

Addressing the significance of this year’s CAT Week theme, “Sound Administration: A Panacea for Improved Combat Arms’ Efficiency in a Joint Environment,” Gen. Lagbaja underscored its alignment with his Command Philosophy, particularly emphasizing the pivotal role of sound administration in military efficiency.

Drawing from his firsthand experience residing in barracks, Gen. Lagbaja acknowledged challenges such as poor accommodation and infrastructure decay in medical centers and schools. In response, he outlined intervention programs aimed at alleviating these challenges, including accommodation improvements and family support schemes such as the COAS Empowerment Loan and the Affordable Housing Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) schemes.

As his inaugural CAT Week as COAS, Gen. Lagbaja seized the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to enhancing combat arms capabilities in fulfilling the Nigerian Army’s constitutional obligations. He encouraged the Combat Arms to collaborate with Support Corps to bolster doctrine and capabilities necessary for countering contemporary threats.

Gen. Lagbaja expressed gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support and assured unwavering loyalty from NA officers and soldiers.

In attendance, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Security and Homeland Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, commended troops for their resilience in combating terrorism and insurgency. He highlighted the importance of sound administration in national security and revealed plans for a security fund bill to bolster security efforts.

Echoing this sentiment, Commander Infantry Corps Major General Olufemi Oluyede emphasized the holistic approach required to address security challenges, underscoring the CAT Week’s role as a platform for stakeholder collaboration in tackling national security concerns.