Why Army Is Undergoing Expansion – COAS Shaibu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has stated that the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army will enhance its operational reach and capacity to provide the secure environment required for entrepreneurship, the Orange Economy and other sectors of the national economy to thrive.

The COAS stated this on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 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 (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.

Lieutenant General Shaibu described the Orange Economy, encompassing arts, culture, music, film and digital content, as an increasingly important driver of employment, investment, cultural diplomacy and national development. He noted that Nigeria’s creative talents have continued to project the country globally while creating new opportunities for wealth generation beyond traditional sectors of the economy.

The COAS stressed that creativity and enterprise can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and security, noting that insecurity disrupts economic activities, restricts mobility, discourages investment and undermines productivity. He therefore underscored the direct relationship between national security and sustainable economic development.

Speaking on the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the establishment of additional formations and units is designed to broaden the Army’s operational footprint, strengthen presence in vulnerable areas and improve responsiveness to security threats. He added that the expanded force structure would enhance the protection of communities, critical national infrastructure and economic activities, while denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action.

The COAS maintained that the contribution of the Nigerian Army to national development goes beyond confronting security threats, as sustained military operations help create the stability required for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and creative professionals to operate and prosper.

He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, the private sector and stakeholders in the creative industry, stressing that security is a collective responsibility. Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening the security environment necessary for investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable national development.

Credit: Appolonia Anele, Colonel, Acting Director Army Public Relations – 15 September 2026