The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with the private sector as part of ongoing efforts to enhance logistics support, improve fleet sustainment and bolster operational readiness to tackle the country’s security challenges.

The Army Chief gave the assurance while receiving the executive management of an automobile company, Elizade Motors, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, underscored the critical role of a reliable and mission-ready vehicle fleet in sustaining combat effectiveness, ensuring the rapid deployment of troops and enabling the Nigerian Army to respond effectively to emerging security threats across the country.

He noted that strategic collaboration between the military and the private sector remains a vital force multiplier in enhancing defence capabilities, particularly in the areas of fleet management, equipment maintenance, technical support and manpower development.

The Army Chief emphasised that such partnerships are integral to the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda aimed at building a more agile, technologically enabled and self-reliant force.

He commended the company for its longstanding support to the Nigerian Army through the supply of vehicles, maintenance services, technical collaboration and industrial training programmes for personnel of military workshop units.

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According to him, the company’s sustained contributions have complemented the Army’s efforts to strengthen its logistics architecture and improve operational efficiency in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to providing a secure environment that promotes economic growth, encourages investment and reinforces the strong link between national security and national development.

He added that closer collaboration among the military, government institutions and the private sector remains indispensable to building resilient defence capabilities, sustaining operational effectiveness, and fostering lasting peace and prosperity.

Speaking earlier, the company’s Branch Manager, Mr. Adeniji Adeyinka, conveyed the goodwill of the company’s founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, and its management.

He lauded the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership and applauded the Nigerian Army’s steadfast efforts in addressing the country’s complex security challenges. He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its longstanding partnership with the Nigerian Army through enhanced technical support, fleet maintenance services, industrial attachment opportunities and the provision of quality automotive solutions tailored to the Army’s evolving operational needs.