Army Healthcare Gets Private-Sector Push Under Shaibu’s Soldier First Agenda
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has intensified efforts to modernise healthcare delivery in the Nigerian Army through strategic partnerships with private-sector and international stakeholders.
Shaibu made the move on Thursday when he received a high-level delegation led by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), at Army Headquarters, Abuja, to explore a sustainable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the development and modernisation of Army healthcare facilities.
The delegation included representatives of Honey Star Resources Ltd., led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Hamisu Tukur Buratai, and its Deputy Managing Director, Barr. Abduljabbar Kolo.
Also in attendance were representatives of M&P, led by Ambassador Achraf Ibrahim, a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt; Elevate Egypt, represented by Mr Ahmed Tarek; and the League of African Ambassadors, represented by its President, Ambassador Nwanne Omihe, and Ambassador Ijeoma.
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The proposed partnership is expected to cover the development and upgrading of Army hospitals, provision of modern medical equipment, pharmaceutical support and deployment of digital health solutions across Nigerian Army medical establishments.
The initiative is aimed at improving the capacity, accessibility and resilience of Army healthcare facilities while enhancing the welfare of soldiers and their families.
Shaibu said the health and wellbeing of military personnel and their families remained central to his Soldier First concept, stressing that quality healthcare was essential to operational effectiveness.
According to him, sustained investment in healthcare would complement the Army’s broader efforts to transform the service into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment.
The COAS emphasised that the wellbeing of personnel was directly linked to operational readiness, morale and sustained effectiveness.
He therefore welcomed credible partnerships capable of bringing investment, technical expertise, modern technology and innovative healthcare solutions to complement government efforts.
The proposed collaboration is part of the Nigerian Army’s broader effort to leverage private-sector expertise and investment to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve personnel welfare.
The Army said the combined capabilities of the prospective partners, alongside diplomatic support from the League of African Ambassadors, could provide a sustainable platform for strengthening military healthcare and ultimately enhance the force’s readiness to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.