The former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on Thursday, led a delegation of private sector operators and foreign partners to the Army Headquarters in Abuja for talks with the current military leadership on a proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to “modernise” the Nigerian Army’s healthcare facilities.
This was disclosed in a statement by the army’s acting spokesperson, Appolnia Anele.
Ms Anele, a colonel, stated that the engagement explored opportunities for a sustainable PPP “aimed at developing and modernising Nigerian Army healthcare facilities.”
“Areas of potential collaboration include the development and upgrade of hospitals, provision of modern medical equipment, pharmaceutical support, and deployment of digital health solutions across all Army establishments,” she added.
Mr Buratai, a retired lieutenant general, and the delegation were received by the incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, also a lieutenant general.
Mr Buratai served as the army chief between 2015 and 2021, and was subsequently appointed as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin Republic.
The delegation notably included Honey Star Resources Limited, a private company linked to the Buratai family and headed by Mr Buratai’s son, Hamisu Buratai.
Mr Hamisu represented the family-owned company at the meeting, alongside its Deputy Managing Director, Abduljabbar Kolo.
The delegation also included foreign partners and diplomatic figures. A longtime diplomat and former Egypt’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, Achraf Ibrahim, led the representatives of Moharram & Partners (M&P), while Elevate Egypt was represented by Ahmed Tarek.
The League of African Ambassadors was represented by its President, Nwanne Omihe, and another diplomat identified as Ambassador Ijeoma.
‘Soldier First’
Receiving the delegation, Mr Shaibu said the health and wellbeing of soldiers and their dependents were central to his “Soldier First” philosophy and critical to the army’s operational readiness.
“The COAS further stressed that a healthy, motivated, and well-supported force is fundamental to operational readiness, morale, and sustained effectiveness,” the army spokesperson stated, adding that Mr Shaibu welcomed credible partnerships.
“The Army welcomes credible partnerships capable of introducing investment, expertise, technology, and innovative healthcare solutions that would complement government efforts,” the army chief was quoted as saying.
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The proposed arrangement remains at the exploratory stage, with no formal contract announced or executed at the meeting.
“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,” the army spokesperson said.
Nigeria’s military has a sizable healthcare infrastructure, but official statements point to funding shortages, rising costs, personnel gaps and the need for better-equipped facilities, creating a case for the modernisation partnership now being explored.
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