RismadarVoice Reporters, April 7, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasized that effective medical service delivery in the Nigerian Army depends on the integration of standardized administrative protocols and strong inter-agency collaboration.
He made this known on Tuesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeeze Bayo Afolayan (Rtd), during a courtesy visit.
General Shaibu noted that as the Army continues operations across the six geopolitical zones, maintaining the physical and mental fitness of personnel remains a top priority, requiring a responsive and modern healthcare system. He added that the welfare of personnel must extend beyond active service to include adequate support for veterans.
Highlighting the challenges faced by retired personnel, the COAS stressed the need for a sustainable welfare framework to address post-service socio-economic vulnerabilities. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting its retirees, describing it as a lifelong responsibility.
“The welfare of our personnel does not end with retirement. We must ensure that those who have served the nation with dedication are not left without support,” he said.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Afolayan (Rtd) advocated for the institutionalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within military medical units, particularly in human resources and administrative functions. He noted that a structured, policy-driven approach would enhance efficiency, ensure proper data management, and eliminate administrative bottlenecks in healthcare delivery.
He also outlined strategies for optimizing the use of Secondary Care Providers (SCPs), explaining that expanding and strengthening such facilities would enable better distribution of medical personnel and improve access to specialist care, especially for troops deployed in high-risk areas.
According to him, leveraging well-equipped SCPs would enhance the Nigerian Army’s medical capacity through a more coordinated and cost-effective system.
The meeting underscored ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen its healthcare system and improve the overall welfare of its personnel and veterans.
