RismadarVoice Reporters
September 15, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army will strengthen its operational reach and improve its capacity to provide the secure environment required for entrepreneurship, investment and other sectors of the national economy to thrive.
Shaibu stated this on Tuesday while delivering 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, Kuru, Plateau State.
The Army chief described the Orange Economy, which encompasses creative sectors including arts, culture, music, film and digital content, as an increasingly important component of Nigeria’s economic development.
According to him, the sector contributes to employment creation, investment, cultural diplomacy and wealth generation while providing opportunities beyond traditional areas of the economy.
Shaibu noted that Nigeria’s creative talents had continued to project the country internationally, adding that the growth of the sector depends significantly on a stable and secure environment.
He stressed that insecurity can disrupt economic activities, restrict movement, discourage investment and reduce productivity, thereby creating a direct link between national security and sustainable economic development.
The COAS explained that the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army was aimed at establishing additional formations and units to broaden the service’s operational footprint, particularly in vulnerable areas.
He said the expanded force structure would improve the Army’s ability to respond to security threats, protect communities and critical national infrastructure, and safeguard economic activities.
Shaibu added that a stronger military presence would help deny terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom of action required to disrupt communities and economic activities.
The Army chief further emphasised that the Nigerian Army’s contribution to national development extends beyond direct military operations against security threats.
According to him, sustained security operations create the stability required for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and creative professionals to operate, expand and contribute to national economic growth.
He called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, private-sector operators and stakeholders in the creative industry, stressing that maintaining a secure environment is a collective responsibility.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer environment for investment, entrepreneurship and the expansion of Nigeria’s creative economy.
He said improved security would not only strengthen the country’s capacity to confront existing threats but also provide the stability necessary for sustainable economic development and greater opportunities for Nigerians.
