Army Chief Expresses Concerns Over Lack of Accommodation for New Recruits, Reduced Budget Allocations

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, has raised serious concerns regarding the lack of adequate accommodation for the approximately 15,000 personnel recruited annually into the Nigerian Army.

Oluyede made these remarks during a condolence visit by the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, on Monday. He highlighted that while the Army continues to recruit a significant number of new soldiers each year, no provisions have been made for housing them. This has become an increasing challenge, especially with the Army’s growing recruitment numbers and decreasing budget allocations.

“I must stress that Nigeria belongs to all of us,” Oluyede said, urging the Senate to recognize the difficulties faced by the Army in securing the nation’s borders amidst these issues. “Without your support, securing Nigeria will be very difficult. So, I appeal to you, the eminent leaders of Nigeria, to help us in making our job easier.”

The Acting COAS further explained that the resources allocated to the Nigerian Army have been dwindling in recent years. He pointed out that despite recruiting 15,000 new soldiers annually, there has been no corresponding allocation for housing. This situation, according to Oluyede, raises concerns about the future of the Army personnel if security challenges are resolved.

“I often wonder, if we manage to resolve the security challenges, where will these soldiers retire to?” he said. “It’s something that keeps me up at night.”

He called on the National Assembly to address these pressing concerns, particularly in next year’s budget, and to consider crucial issues such as accommodation and technological advancements to enhance the Army’s capabilities in securing the nation.