Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies to decisively respond to all threats to Nigeria, ensuring an atmosphere conducive to economic prosperity.
Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said this at the opening of the Directorate of Procurement Fourth Quarter 2024 Procurement Seminar, on Thursday in Abuja.
The seminar, which was themed “Adapting to Nigeria’s Economic Fluctuations in Defence Procurement: Options for the Nigerian Army”, would provide pragmatic solutions and options for the army to address issues surrounding defense procurement” according to him.
He said the creation of the Directorate of Acquisition in 2015 has resulted in improved equipment management and timely procurement of operational and logistical elements for all Army operations.
The COAS added that the management has also contributed to the creation of infrastructure to improve the welfare and working conditions of the staff.
He said the Army will ensure that all operational, administrative and logistical requirements are met through a thorough needs assessment and effective use of funds to effectively staff the necessary personnel for enhanced operational capabilities.
“We are implementing measures to ensure that funds for procurement purposes are promptly released to contractors and will also implement an effective monitoring process in our contract management.
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“It is no news that our dear country faces economic challenges that have generally affected our procurement process.
“We are also mindful of the challenges our dear contractors face given the economic downturn and currency fluctuations.
“These have impacted optimal contract performance with incessant requests for variations from the affected contractors,” he said.
The COAS said that the effect of Nigeria’s economic situation on foreign defense procurement, which was largely influenced by exchange rates, had also become an issue that required serious attention from stakeholders.
The objective of this reflection, according to him, would be to propose solutions to mitigate the obstacles and improve the availability of foreign exchange in these defence procurements.
“To the enemies of Nigeria, make no mistake about our resolve, as we have never been more prepared and committed to defending the Constitution and our dear country.
