COAS Seeks Public-Private Partnership To Deploy Digital Health Solutions Across Army Hospitals

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for a strengthened public-private partnership to upgrade Nigerian Army hospitals, provide modern medical equipment and pharmaceutical support, and deploy digital health solutions across all Army establishments.

He stated this on Thursday, 3 September 2026, when he received a high-level delegation at Army Headquarters, Abuja, for discussions on strategic collaboration to strengthen healthcare delivery and infrastructure in the Nigerian Army.

A statement by the Army Spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the delegation was led by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Rtd), and comprised key partners from the private sector and international diplomacy.

Some key members of the managing director/CEO, Honey Star Resources Limited, Engr. Hamisu Tukur Buratai, and Deputy Managing Director, Barrister Abduljabbar Kolo.

Also present were representatives from M&P, led by Ambassador Achraf Ibrahim, a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, and Elevate Egypt, represented by Mr Ahmed Tarek.

The League of African Ambassadors was represented by its President, Ambassador Nwanne Omihe, alongside Ambassador Ijeoma.

According to her, the engagement explored opportunities for a sustainable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to develop and modernise Nigerian Army healthcare facilities.

Areas of potential collaboration include the development and upgrading of hospitals, the provision of modern medical equipment, pharmaceutical support, and the deployment of digital health solutions across all Army establishments.

She explained that the initiative is expected to enhance the capacity, accessibility, and resilience of Army medical facilities in meeting the healthcare needs of personnel and their families.

Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the health and well-being of personnel and their families remain central to his “Soldier First” concept and critical to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

He noted that sustained investment in quality healthcare directly supports his command philosophy of advancing the Nigerian Army’s transformation into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

The COAS further stressed that a healthy, motivated, and well-supported force is fundamental to operational readiness, morale, and sustained effectiveness.

He therefore welcomed credible partnerships capable of introducing investment, expertise, technology, and innovative healthcare solutions that would complement government efforts and deliver sustainable benefits to Nigerian Army personnel and their families.

The proposed partnership underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to leveraging credible private-sector expertise and investment to strengthen personnel welfare and modernise critical healthcare infrastructure.

“With the combined capabilities of Honey Star Resources, M&P, Elevate Egypt, and the diplomatic support of the League of African Ambassadors, this collaboration represents another significant step towards building a more resilient healthcare system that supports troops, enhances operational readiness, and strengthens the Army’s capacity to effectively respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges,” she said.