Tinubu Prioritizes Welfare Of Nigerian Armed Forces At New Defence Complex Ceremony

President Bola Tinubu said that improving the welfare of the Nigerian armed forces is a top priority for his government.

During the groundbreaking ceremony of a new defense complex and the opening of an army barracks named after him in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu said that improving the welfare of the Nigerian armed forces is a top priority for his government.

The president thanked the armed forces for their hard work and praised their efforts under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as per the official statement shared on the official State House website.

"This ceremony marks the start of a construction project and the foundation of a renewed commitment to our military and the values we hold dear as a democracy," the president said.

He added, "On this occasion, we open a new chapter in our nation's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our people. As your Commander-in-Chief, I pledge to support our troops and their families."

The president reiterated his commitment to building a well-equipped and professional military that reflects the pride of the nation. He praised the armed forces for their outstanding efforts under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff along with the Service Chiefs and personnel.

He acknowledged their dedication, bravery, and resilience in protecting the country's freedoms and upholding the principles on which the nation was built. Speaking about the importance of the new Defence Complex, Tinubu highlighted it as a symbol of the nation's respect and appreciation for the armed forces.

Tinubu further emphasized the government's commitment to providing the necessary resources to enhance their performance.

He described the new Defence Complex as a future national monument and a symbol of loyalty. He said the structure would be a source of pride for all Nigerians and a hub for developing strong leaders dedicated to the safety of the nation.

He highlighted the importance of locally producing military equipment to strengthen the country's defense capabilities. Tinubu noted the progress made in creating a military-industrial complex through efforts by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the Command Engineering Depot of the Nigerian Army, and private companies like EPAIL and ProForce.

The president announced the assembly of locally produced Tactical Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC). These vehicles demonstrate advancements in the defense sector, improve operational efficiency for the armed forces, and contribute to the economy.