The Minister of Defence, Major General Mansur Dan Ali, says the welfare of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces remains a key priority of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
He stated this during the commissioning of a Mental Rehabilitation Centre and newly remodeled wards at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna State.
The minister said the establishment of the centre and rehabilitation of the hospital is a significant milestone of the Nigerian Army’s quest to provide qualitative healthcare for troops and their families.
Speaking to reporters after a tour of the facility, the Defence Minister said the Nigerian government will sustain the collaboration it has with neigbouring West African countries in an effort to stop terrorism and other trans-border crimes in the region.
The project which commenced six months ago, is designed to serve as a referral facility for wounded soldiers fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the north east and other injured civilians.
The Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai conducted the minister and other service chiefs round the facility.
Explaining the vision behind the remodeling of the hospital, Lt. Gen. Buratai says he believes that gaining the confidence of troops in terms of improving their welfare is key to winning the counter insurgency war.
The 44 Army Reference hospital currently serves as a base facility for troops of operation Lafiya Dole in the north east.
Defence authorities say the commissioned projects are among numerous others to be commissioned across the country as part the military’s resolve to take the health and welfare of its officers seriously.
