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Nigeria’s Army Chief says personnel and funding inadequate for operation
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday, said that the country’s two million security personnel are not enough to protect a population of over 200 million people.
The army chief also expressed concerns over the inadequate funding of the Armed Forces of Nigeria which he said significantly affected the military’s operational performance.
Gen Lagbaja made this remark during the 2024 International Day of Peace Lecture organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji.
At the event, held in Ilorin, Kwara State, Gen Lagbaja said ” In a country of over 200 million people, it is unrealistic to expect security agencies, totalling around two million, including an army of just over 100,000 active personnel without a reserve force, to secure the entire population.
Represented by the Chief of Army Training, Sanni Mohammed, he said: “We import over 90 per cent of our military needs, noting that despite some local production efforts, the country’s dependence on foreign military supplies remains overwhelming.
“The pursuit of national development alongside national security is a costly endeavour, as defence policy is capital-intensive.
“In 2023, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria had a budget of about $2.8 billion, with an additional supplementary budget of around one billion dollars. However, not all budgetary allocations were fully released.
In a country of over 200 million people, it is unrealistic to expect security agencies, totalling around two million, including an army of just over 100,000 active personnel without a reserve force, to secure the entire population.
“Although funding for the AFN has been improving annually since 2017, the country’s economic downturn has eroded the actual value of what is released.
“The lack of funding affects the AFN’s equipment holdings, which directly impacts performance.”
On the security personnel gap, Lagbaja said: “The considerable resource gap is being exploited by criminal elements.
Addressing this requires investment in expanding and strengthening security forces, ensuring adequate personnel and resources.
“National security requires all citizens to be part of the security framework, fostering vigilance, trust, and community engagement.
This will create a more resilient citizenry, better equipped to respond to national emergencies.”
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole stressed the importance of peace and security for sustainable development.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Originally set to end in August 2025, his tenure will now continue until August 2026.
According to a statement signed by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the extension aims to give Mr. Adeniyi the opportunity to consolidate key reforms and oversee the completion of major initiatives, including the modernisation of Customs operations, the National Single Window Project, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Tinubu commended Adeniyi’s leadership and expressed confidence that the extension would bolster trade facilitation, boost revenue generation, and enhance border security.
Appointed Comptroller-General in October 2023, Adeniyi recently achieved international recognition when he was elected Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization, the highest decision-making body in global customs affairs.
News
Kogi Governor Commends President Tinubu over Abuja-Lokoja Road Reconstruction
The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.
The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing unparalleled commitment towards the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja road Reconstruction, saying his action has demonstrated his unwavering determination to fix the nation’s infrastructure deficit.
The Governor while inspecting a section of the road at Kotonkarfe in Kogi State said the President represents a “coalition of excellence”.
“This is our own coalition. This is what our President is doing and we are grateful to him. This is development”, he said.
The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.
The Wife of the President Oluremi Remi Tinubu has donated the sum of one billion naira to victims of the horrific Yelwata attack in Benue State.
Oluremi Tinubu who announced the donation during her condolence visit to the state, described the killings as very unnecessary.
About 6 weeks after the heart wretching attack on Yelwata community of Guma local council of Benue State State Wife of the President Oluremi Tinubu visits to pay her condolence.
She proceeds to the new banquet hall of the Government house Makurdi where she meets with relevant stakeholders and makes a significant donation on behalf of council of the renewed hope agenda initiative.
Earlier State Governor Hyacinth Alia while appreciating the show of sympathy by the first family renewed his call for the establishment of State police.
Chairman State Council Of Chiefs the Tor Tiv Orchivirigh James Ayatse wants the killer terrorists flushed out of the State and neighbouring Nassarawa State.
He equally called for compensation for victims to rebuild their lives and return back to their ancestral homes.
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