The Nigerian Army has said it lacks the financial capacity to tackle  Boko Haram’s insurgency and other security challenges facing the country.

The Chief of Accounts of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Muriana, spoke yesterday on the paucity of funds facing the Army.

It was at the opening of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps’ Warrant Officers’/Non-Commissioned Officers’ training week in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The accountant explained that budgetary allocations to the military was adequate to meet the contemporary security challenges and cater for the welfare of soldiers.

Muriana said besides the limitation of the “envelope system”, the Army was also enmeshed in bureaucratic bottleneck in getting appropriateb funding approval for military operations.

The general called for a review of the current system “as the increasing speed at which the effects of conflicts appear in the operational environment will continue to challenge commanders”.

He added: “It is our humble appeal that government could evolve other means of funding and supporting military operations other than the normal budgetary allocations.

“Such means include but are not limited to strategic cooperation and liaison with other civil industries for the production of uniforms and other equipment.”

Muraina suggested the inclusion of a special operations fund in the budget for Defence, adding that this should be placed under the Chief of Army Staff for disbursement to the required operation areas.

He said:  “The increasing dynamic environment, coupled with continued technological development in the country and our immediate neighbours have spurred the Nigerian Army to place high premium on efficiency, proficiency and professionalism of officers and soldiers.”

The accountant described warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers as the backbone of regimentation in the Army.

He stressed that such officers form the bridge between officers and junior non-commissioned officers.

The Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah said funding was fundamental to curbing the security challenges in the country.

He said:  “Success in this pursuit, therefore, calls for prudent and efficient management and application of available funds.”

The Army Chief was represented by the General Officer, Commanding 1Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Osuji.

-Nation