By Augustine Ehikioya
In order to meet up with the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) constitutional roles, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Tuesday sought for adequate budgetary provisions.
He did this when he paid a courtesy call to the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu at his office in Abuja.
This was disclosed by a statement issued by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It reads “The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, today, 3 October, 2023 paid a courtesy call to the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, His Excellency, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu at his office.
“The CDS who was accompanied by Senior Officers from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said he was at the Ministry to appeal for the Minister’s support in terms of budgetary allocation to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to aid unhindered discharge of it’s constitutional mandates.
“General Musa further requested for budgetary appropriation to enable for the completion of the Armed Forces Complex Permanent Site.
“He also call on the Minister to assist the AFN to sort out accommodation deficit in the Barracks and Bases by ensuring budget allocation for that purpose.”
The CDS, the statement said, further assured the Minister of the Armed Forces commitment to rid the country of criminals and make Nigeria and Nigerians safer.
Responding, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu thanked General Musa for coming, while congratulating him on his appointment.
The Minister appreciated and commended the AFN for their pivotal role in stabilizing security in the nation and for rising to the overall security challenges despite some constraint.
He assured the Armed Forces of Nigeria of his Ministry’s support, while adding that budget cycle must consider critical security challenges.
Senator Badugu also expressed his confidence on the ability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to surmount all the security challenges bedeviling the country.
