Army lacks funds to house 13,000 new recruits, needs special accommodation provision -Oluyede

Olufemi Oluyede, chief of army staff (COAS), says the
Nigerian Army lacks the funds to accommodate new recruits.

According to Punch, Oluyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday
during a visit by the senate committee on army to the army headquarters.

He commended the committee for supporting the military but
noted that current funding mechanisms, particularly the envelope budgeting
system, are inadequate to meet the army’s needs.

He urged the committee to create special funding provisions
for the army outside the envelope budgeting structure to enable it to provide
the required combat support and 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, chairman of the senate committee,
acknowledged the army’s funding constraints and said the panel is committed to
advocating for improved budgetary allocations.

“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.”

The lawmaker said the committee had split into two groups to
inspect army formations in Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos states.

He said the exercise is conducted in line with the
constitution and senate rules, ensuring effective use of appropriated funds.

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Source: NigerianEye | Continue to Full Story…