By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has advocated stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the financial sector as a strategic pathway to sustaining national security and economic stability across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call on Thursday, February 26, 2026, while receiving the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, who paid him a courtesy visit at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief stressed that security and economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing, noting that financial institutions can only thrive in a secure environment. He described cooperation between national defenders and economic drivers as essential to national development.
The COAS reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to providing the security architecture required for businesses and other economic activities to operate seamlessly nationwide. He explained that beyond combat and counter-insurgency operations, the Army is increasingly focused on building partnerships that enhance personnel welfare and improve administrative efficiency.
Recalling his long-standing association with FirstBank, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that alliances with reputable financial institutions are critical in providing the fiscal support and innovative financial solutions needed to meet the complex logistical demands of a modern military force. He added that such partnerships would help address the decentralized logistical and administrative needs of the Army while strengthening service delivery to personnel across formations.
Highlighting the importance of institutional stability, the Army Chief encouraged officers and soldiers to bank with established and credible institutions in order to safeguard their savings and welfare. He noted that reliable banking structures remain vital to troop morale and overall operational effectiveness, expressing readiness to explore strategic areas of partnership with FirstBank to further enhance the welfare of personnel.
In his remarks, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu commended the Nigerian Army for its steadfast role in safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining internal security. He described the engagement as a privilege and reaffirmed FirstBank’s commitment to supporting the operational efficiency of the Army.
Alebiosu disclosed that the bank is particularly interested in expanding financial access to military pensioners and personnel deployed in remote operational areas, ensuring that they enjoy seamless and secure banking services regardless of location. He reiterated that the financial institution stands ready to collaborate with the Army in advancing initiatives that promote both national security and economic resilience.
