FG pledges to address lack of funding, lack of military equipment

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu pledged to address the funding and equipment shortages impeding the Nigerian Armed Forces’ ability to operate effectively.

He made this pledge at the Maj. Gen. J.M. Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, during the grand finale of the celebration of the 160th establishment of the Nigerian Army.

In addition to other factors affecting the operational effectiveness of the armed forces, Tinubu revealed that the Presidency was aware of issues with inadequate equipment and insufficient funding. He was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

The Nigerian Army, which she noted had previously submitted to civilian rule since 1999, continued to be a highly professional force with high standing both regionally and internationally, according to the President, who also stated that it remained one of the strongest pillars of hope for the Nigerian populace.

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“The Nigerian Army has continued to successfully carry out its constitutional role,” he said. The army deserves credit for continuing to carry out regional and global peace support tasks effectively and efficiently in spite of the many internal security engagements.

It has been established that the Nigerian Army, other services, and security agencies worked together to weaken the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group. The ongoing campaigns to eliminate bandits, secessionists, and other criminal elements attempting to undermine the peace and stability of the country have also imitated this admirable deed.

Thus, Tinubu recognized the contributions made by a number of brave officers and soldiers who had given their lives as well as those who had suffered a range of injuries, including some cases of permanent disabilities.

The Nigerian Army was urged by the President to always follow international best practices, particularly current humanitarian laws and rules of engagement when carrying out operations.

“As a responsible government, we are aware of the security concerns of the citizenry, and as such, I wish to reassure you of our determination to defeat all threats to national security within the shortest possible time,” he said.

Earlier, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, vowed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering support for democratic rule in Nigeria.