The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, has solicited more budgetary allocation for the Nigerian Army to enable it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and provide accommodation for soldiers.
Oluyede made the appeal when he received the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, on a condolence visit on Monday in Abuja.
The army, he said, has been recruiting about 15,000 personnel yearly but is yet to provide commensurate accommodation to house them.
He expressed worries that the army might face challenges in accommodating the soldiers when the current security challenges stabilise and they return to barracks.
“It is important for me to reiterate that Nigeria belongs to all of us and without your support, it would be very difficult for us to secure Nigeria. I want to really appeal to you, very eminent personality of Nigeria, to just please support us and make our job very easy so that we can help secure Nigeria as much as possible.
“Well, over time, we have had situations where the resources that are attributed to the Nigerian army keep dwindling. I think this is a very good forum for me to appeal that maybe, in considering next year’s budget, a few very important issues should be noted.
“For instance, in the last couple of years, we’ve been recruiting about 15,000 personnel but I can tell you that not a single support has been given in terms of the accommodation,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu had promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to the position of Lieutenant General.
Tinubu decorated Oluyede with his new rank during a short ceremony at his office in the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
The President commended the military for its unwavering courage, dedication and patriotism in maintaining the nation’s security.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today. This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record.
“We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,’’ the President said.
Tinubu assured the military that the government would always listen to their advice and keep the country on the path of peace and prosperity.
