Olufemi Oluyede, chief of army staff (COAS), has stated that the Nigerian Army does not have the financial capacity to provide accommodation for incoming recruits.
According to Punch, Oluyede made this known on Thursday in Abuja during a visit by the senate committee on army to the army headquarters.
While expressing appreciation to the committee for their support, he pointed out that the current method of funding, particularly the envelope budgeting system, falls short of meeting the army’s operational demands.
He appealed to the committee to consider allocating special funds outside the envelope budgeting model so the army can effectively deliver combat support and provide necessary welfare infrastructure.
“As we speak, the army is still challenged in terms of operational efficiency. This year alone, we are expecting about 13,000 new personnel, but there are no corresponding resources to provide accommodation for them,” the army chief said.
“We still have soldiers not being accommodated, and that number will continue to grow.
“We are not only looking at maybe insecurity within, but what if someday we are challenged from outside?
“So, I want to pray that you please look at that, and at the same time, look at how we can get special funds to provide accommodation for our soldiers. It’s very critical.”
Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who chairs the senate committee, acknowledged the financial limitations the army faces and assured that the panel would push for enhanced funding.
“The Nigerian Army and Armed Forces should be removed from the envelope budgeting system so they have more funds to carry out their mandate. We’ve seen the need during our oversight visits,” Yar’Adua said.
“We want to assure the chief of army staff of our continued support and collaboration with the executive to ensure the army is adequately funded.”
He added that the committee had been divided into two teams to inspect army bases in Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos states.
He explained that the inspection is in accordance with the constitution and senate procedures to guarantee proper use of approved funds.
