Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

The Nigerian Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army and the executive arm of government to ensure the Army receives the necessary backing to sustain peace and security nationwide.

This assurance was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, made the pledge during an oversight visit by committee members to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Senator Yar’Adua noted that the visit was part of the committee’s constitutional responsibility to oversee the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 Appropriation Acts. He emphasized that the tour aimed to assess the proper utilization of public funds and monitor the progress of projects captured in the approved defence budgets.

The senator commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for facilitating smooth assessment tours across various Army formations. He said the visits had provided valuable insights into the Army’s operational capabilities and project execution, with generally satisfactory outcomes.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing national security and reiterated the Senate’s resolve to support the Nigerian Army in achieving its constitutional mandate.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces. He also thanked the Senate Committee on Army for its continued encouragement and oversight.

General Oluyede acknowledged the commitment and sacrifices of Army personnel in defending the nation. He, however, highlighted key challenges faced by the Army, especially in operational needs, troop accommodation, and other logistics.

He appealed to lawmakers to consider removing the Army from the current envelope budgeting system to better address its urgent funding requirements and enhance its operational effectiveness.