The Nigerian Army has urged Ecobank Nigeria to develop flexible financial schemes and expand welfare support for officers, soldiers and their families.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the call on Wednesday when Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director, Bolaji Lawal, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
Shaibu said the Army’s partnership with Ecobank, which has lasted more than two decades, had remained mutually beneficial, particularly in improving the financial well-being of its personnel.
He directed the Army’s finance leadership to engage with the bank on developing bespoke financial products tailored to the peculiar needs of military personnel.
The COAS also called on Ecobank to expand its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to complement the Army’s welfare programmes.
He specifically requested support for wounded-in-action personnel, as well as the widows and children of fallen soldiers, saying such interventions would help improve the welfare of troops and their families.
Shaibu stressed that strong institutional partnerships were essential to sustaining a professional, resilient and motivated Army.
Responding, Lawal said Ecobank was prepared to deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Army through specialised banking, insurance and lending solutions.
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He said the proposed initiatives would promote financial inclusion and give officers and soldiers greater flexibility in managing their finances.
Lawal also disclosed plans to extend bespoke financial services to major Army institutions and formations, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Depot Nigerian Army and divisions across the country.
According to him, the initiative would broaden personnel’s access to financial services while further strengthening institutional cooperation between Ecobank and the Nigerian Army.
