The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, has paid a familiarisation visit to the Army Headquarters as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the Nigerian Army.
During the visit on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary met with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The engagement was aimed at deepening institutional cooperation and enhancing civil military relations in support of national security objectives.
Mr Pheelangwa explained that the visit was designed to reinforce strategic engagement with the Army and reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to addressing administrative challenges. He stressed the importance of improving budget performance and execution, ensuring timely service delivery, and promoting transparency in procurement processes.
He further stated that the Ministry remains fully committed to supporting the Armed Forces in achieving their constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and property of citizens. According to him, priority areas include personnel welfare, human capital development, and strengthened collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria to boost local defence production and capacity.
In his response, the Chief of Army Staff highlighted critical operational needs requiring urgent attention. These include the expansion of the Army aviation wing to ensure rapid response capabilities, increased acquisition of armed drones, timely release of capital funds, provision of adequate accommodation for newly recruited personnel, and the deployment of permanent teaching staff to defence schools. He noted that addressing these areas would significantly enhance operational efficiency and combat effectiveness.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the Permanent Secretary of the Army’s full cooperation with the Ministry in advancing national security goals.
Officials present at the meeting included the Director of Press and Public Relations, the Director of Army Affairs, and Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters.