The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has justified the approval for the release of $1billion by the federal government to enable the military tackle Boko Haram terrorism saying “Yes we need more money to further decapitate the terrorist in the north east and elsewhere as well as for training of personnel and acquisition of new weaponry.
Asked if the acquisition of new weaponry and other equipment needed to fight the war, will lead to a total wipe out of Boko Haram, the Army Chief said “There is nothing like total wipe out in a war with terrorists. Sometimes, you still see pockets of the group here and there engaging in soft target attacks.
Buratai spoke at the 2-day Second Procurement Awareness Seminar holding at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, with the theme, “Optimizing the Operational Capabilities of the Nigerian Army through an Effective Procurement System.
The COAS said, “The security challenges facing our dear country manifest in the forms of terrorism, insurgency, separatist movements and banditry amongst others. Thus, there is no gainsaying the fact that the operational capability of the Nigerian army today, largely depends on the availability of requisite hardware, highly trained personnel and other essential resources.
“In the past few years, the Nigerian Army has no doubt taken robust steps and emplaced policies in enhancing its procurement plans and processes with a view to meeting its over-arching constitutional roles”.
General Buratai urging participants to use the seminar to “build on ongoing successes in our operational commitments and improving our procurement methods as well as processes in line with the provisions of the public procurement act 2007.
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“This seminar, therefore, provides a veritable platform for us to familiarize and educate ourselves sufficiently on procurement matters that would enable the NA compete successfully in the opportunities that arise from implementation of the national budget.
In his address, Guest of Honour and Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Army, Hon. Rimamnde Shalawu said the National Assembly is delighted to identify with the efforts of the Nigerian Army to create a transparent and accountable procurement system to support the increasing operational responsibilities and duties.
“For it to achieve its mandate, the Nigerian Army requires provision of the right mix of materials, at the right time and in the right quantity. We all do know that the logistics requirement for present security environment are numerous and expensive.
“Unfortunately, the reality of life and our current economic situation is that far from being adequate, even at the best of times, our economic fortunes have witnessed a downturn trend. It therefore becomes imperative that the Nigerian Army sets its priorities right and develops an efficient and effective procurement process, in accordance with extant regulations, to maximize the use of lean resources.
Hon. Shawulu said the 8th NASS in trying to ensure that the military is empowered to operate optimally, increased the budgetary allocations to the armed forces in the last two budget sessions. Whether these funds are released or not, is entirely another matter.
Present at the opening of the seminar were the Director General, Bureau for Public Procurement, Alhaji Mamman Ahmadu, Permanent Secretary MOD represented by Mr. Mike Chukwurah, PSOs and GOCs.
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