The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the crucial role that adequate welfare plays in sustaining the morale and efficiency of Nigerian troops, especially those deployed in various theatres of operation across the country. According to the Army Chief, when the welfare needs of personnel are properly addressed, it directly reflects in their performance, commitment, and resilience on the battlefield.
Speaking during an official engagement with military formations, General Oluyede stressed that the Nigerian Army remains deeply committed to the well-being of its officers and soldiers. He noted that welfare is not a privilege, but a strategic necessity that ensures the armed forces are always in top shape to confront national security challenges ranging from terrorism and banditry to other forms of internal security threats.
Army under General Oluyede’s leadership has continued to place premium attention on the living conditions, medical care, accommodation, and family support systems for its personnel. He maintained that a well-catered soldier is a motivated one, and such motivation is key to sustaining operational momentum, especially in volatile and high-risk zones.
The Army Chief also called on relevant stakeholders and government bodies to continue supporting the military in its drive to improve the welfare infrastructure across barracks and operational zones. He affirmed that the Nigerian Army is not only fighting to secure the country, but also evolving to ensure that those who bear the burden of that fight are not left behind in terms of support and dignity.
This renewed focus on troop welfare comes at a time when the Nigerian Army is engaged on multiple fronts, from counter-insurgency operations in the North-East to peacekeeping assignments and internal security duties across the federation. General Oluyede’s message is seen as both a morale booster and a call to action, aimed at reinforcing the backbone of the nation’s security architecture — its soldiers.