Nigerian Army Expansion to Boost Security and Economy

On Tuesday, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, delivered 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, 2026, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State. He stated that the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army is aimed at enhancing its operational reach and capacity to provide a secure environment necessary for the growth of entrepreneurship and the Orange Economy, which includes arts, culture, music, film, and digital content.

Shaibu highlighted the direct relationship between national security and sustainable economic development, noting that insecurity disrupts economic activities and discourages investment. He explained that the establishment of additional formations and units within the Army would improve responsiveness to security threats and protect communities and critical infrastructure.

The COAS called for collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, and the private sector to ensure a collective responsibility for security.