By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting critical energy infrastructure and strengthening partnerships that support Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu made this known on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr Tony Attah, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The Army Chief described energy security as an important component of national security, stressing that the protection of strategic energy assets was essential to sustaining industrial productivity, economic stability and national development.
Shaibu assured the delegation of the Nigerian Army’s continued support in securing critical national infrastructure and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities to thrive.
He also underscored the importance of sustained engagement between energy companies and their host communities, commending Renaissance Africa Energy for its efforts to build constructive relationships with communities within its areas of operation.
The COAS stressed that mutual trust, dialogue and shared interests remained vital to promoting peace and stability in communities hosting energy infrastructure.
Shaibu further said the ongoing expansion and transformation of the Nigerian Army would enhance its operational reach and responsiveness to emerging security challenges.
He explained that the expansion of formations, alongside improvements in manpower, infrastructure and capabilities, would strengthen the Army’s capacity to protect critical national assets and support the Federal Government’s broader development objectives.
Earlier, Attah commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices in securing the country and protecting strategic economic assets, particularly in challenging operational environments.
He acknowledged the importance of a secure operating environment to the sustainability of the energy sector and pledged Renaissance Africa Energy’s continued commitment to advancing energy security, indigenous capacity development and industrialisation in Nigeria.
