The Nigerian Army is considering a broader public-private partnership aimed at upgrading its healthcare system, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, called for greater investment in medical infrastructure, technology and healthcare services.

Shaibu made the call on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Army Headquarters in Abuja, where he received a high-level delegation for talks on strategic collaboration to improve healthcare delivery and infrastructure across the Nigerian Army.

Under the proposed arrangement, areas of collaboration would include the construction and upgrading of Army hospitals, supply of modern medical equipment, pharmaceutical support and the introduction of digital health solutions across Army formations and establishments.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said in a statement that the partnership is expected to strengthen the capacity, accessibility and resilience of military medical facilities serving Army personnel and their families.

According to the COAS, the health and wellbeing of personnel and their families remain central to his “Soldier First” concept and are essential to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu also said continued investment in quality healthcare would advance his command philosophy of building a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Army capable of decisively fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

He emphasised that maintaining a healthy, motivated and adequately supported force is essential for operational readiness, personnel morale and sustained effectiveness.

The Army chief consequently welcomed credible partnerships that could bring investment, expertise, technology and innovative healthcare solutions into the military system while complementing government efforts and generating sustainable benefits for personnel and their families.

The delegation was headed by former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), and comprised representatives from the private sector as well as the international diplomatic community.

Honey Star Resources Limited was represented by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Hamisu Tukur Buratai, and Deputy Managing Director, Barrister Abduljabbar Kolo.

M&P was represented by a team led by Ambassador Achraf Ibrahim, a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, while Elevate Egypt was represented by Mr Ahmed Tarek.

The League of African Ambassadors was represented by its President, Ambassador Nwanne Omihe, alongside Ambassador Ijeoma.

The proposed collaboration is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to draw on credible private-sector expertise and investment to improve personnel welfare and modernise essential healthcare infrastructure.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen the connection between personnel welfare and military effectiveness, with enhanced healthcare capacity capable of supporting troop morale, operational readiness and the Army’s ability to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Source von.gov.ng