Oluyede: Army lacks funds to house 13,000 new recruits

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.