By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Tukur Burutai, has called on the Federal Government to improve the funding of the Nigerian Army to meet with current challenges of curbing insurgency in the country.
Burutai made the call in a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 12th biennial training conference of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps in Uyo on Monday.
The COAS who was represented by the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, said that the current funding was inadequate in view of the roles the Nigerian Army was playing in internal security of the nation.
The theme of the conference is; “Expanding Roles of the Nigerian Army in internal Security Operations: Funding Imperatives.”
He said that the implementation of federal government public sector financial reforms such as cashless policy, treasury single accounts and integrated payroll and personnel information system has prevented leakages in public sector.
He, however, said that some of these policies would affect the optimal performance of the Nigerian Army core competencies, if not well managed.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to ensure prudency and accountability in the utilisation of available financial resources.
“To this end, I authorised the establishment of Directorate of Audit and Financial Management (DAFM) which reports directly to my office
“The essence is to ensure judicious application of all appropriated funds disbursed to Nigerian Army formations and units.
“The DAFM has supported the Nigerian Army in deriving value for money in its financial transactions and application of funds,” Burutai said.
He said that the Army had devise new strategies to combat insurgents in the country, stressing that army personnel must continue to be loyal to constituted authority and subordinate themselves to civil rule.
“In the discharge of this duty, I had charged all Nigerian Army personnel to remain committed to global best practices by strict adherence to the rules of engagement and code of conduct.” He said.
The COAS added that in spite of the daunting challenges of the operations, the Nigerian Army have maintained a rugged determination to turn the tide against insurgents.
He said that the Nigerian Army finance corps remain central to the performance and effectiveness of the army both in operations and peace times.
Earlier in his remarks, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom said that government alone could not fund the demands of the military.
Emmanuel, who was represented by Mr Akan Okon, Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, said that the private sector must be brought in to assist in the funding of the operations of the Nigerian Army.
He commended the army for their role in curbing insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other security challenges confronting the nation.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Account and Budget (Army), Maj.-Gen. Adekola Bakare, said that the theme was deliberately chosen to enunciate the challenges posed by inadequate funding of the army operations in spite its expanding roles in internal security.
Bakare said that the conference would afford participants the opportunity to conduct a detailed appraisal of the current policies and procedures towards repositioning the Corps to provide transparent and efficient services to the Nigerian Army.
