The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army will strengthen national security and create the stable environment needed for businesses, entrepreneurship and the creative industry to flourish.
Shaibu stated this on Tuesday while delivering a lecture titled, “Safeguarding the Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development: The Role of the Nigerian Army,” to participants of Senior Executive Course 48 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.
The Orange Economy, which covers sectors such as arts, culture, music, film and digital content, has emerged as a major contributor to employment, investment and economic growth in Nigeria. The sector has also helped project the country’s image globally while creating new opportunities for wealth generation.
The Army Chief noted that insecurity remains a major threat to economic development, stressing that violence and criminal activities disrupt businesses, discourage investment and limit productivity. He said sustainable economic growth can only be achieved in a secure and peaceful environment.
According to him, the establishment of additional Army formations and units is aimed at expanding the force’s operational footprint, improving response to security threats and strengthening protection for communities, critical infrastructure and economic assets. He added that the expanded force structure would further restrict the activities of terrorists and other criminal groups.
Shaibu called for greater collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, the private sector and stakeholders in the creative industry, stressing that security is a shared responsibility. This is even as he reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to providing the secure environment necessary for investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable national development.
