Mr Richard Pheelangwa, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence, has promised to clear administrative backlogs in the military and make sure that budgets are released on time.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Pheelangwa committed to Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, during a strategic familiarisation visit to the Army headquarters in Abuja.
The purpose of the visit, according to the permanent secretary, was to improve institutional ties with the army.
He restated “the ministry’s determination to resolve administrative bottlenecks, ensure budgetary performance and execution, and deliver timely services, as well as transparent procurement processes.”
Pheelangwa went on to say that the ministry is dedicated to helping the military accomplish its national objectives of safeguarding citizens’ lives as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Additionally, he focused on human capital development, welfare, and the ministry’s efforts to collaborate with the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to achieve better results.
Lt Gen. W. Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, responded by emphasising the necessity of growing the military’s aviation branch in order to respond quickly.
To improve the military’s combat efficiency and effectiveness, “it is among the enablers for military operations, including an increase in the number of armed drones; timely releases of capital budget; adequate accommodation facilities for newly recruited troops; permanent teaching staff in defence schools, among others.”
Nonetheless, he guarantees that the army will work closely with the ministry to achieve the intended national objective.
According to a statement from the defence ministry, the principal staff officers of the army headquarters, the director of press and public relations, and the director of army affairs were all present at the event.
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