By Ada Nkong
….Pledges Ministry’s support to the military towards achieving its mandate.
In a bid to strengthen civil -military synergy between the Army Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Mr Richard Pheelangwa has paid a familiarization visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu at the Army headquarters in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary said the visit was to strengthen institutional engagements with the Army and reiterated the Ministry’s determination to resolving administrative bottlenecks, ensuring budgetary performance and execution, timely delivery of services, as well as transparent procurement process.
Pheelangwa further stated that the Ministry is committed towards supporting the Military to achieve its national goals of protecting lives of the citizens in the most effective and efficient manner.
He also emphasized on welfare, human capital development and the effort of the Ministry in engaging with Defence Industry Corporations of Nigeria (DICON) for more positive outcomes.
Responding, the Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. W. Shaibu highlighted the need for expansion of the Aviation wing of the military for timely response saying it is among the enablers for military operations.
He cited increase in the number of Armed drones, timely releases of Capital budget, adequate accommodation facilities for newly recruited troops, permanent teaching staff in defence schools among others as some of the areas requiring urgent attention so as to enhance the Military’s combat efficiency and effectiveness. He gave assurance of the Army’s full cooperation with the Ministry for the attainment of the desired national goal.
Present at the event from the Ministry were; the Director of Press and Public Relations, the Director Army Affairs and Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters.
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