The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has stressed the importance of a strong database for officers and men of the Nigerian Army in order for them to effectively discharge their constitutional roles particularly when the country is confronted with many security challenges.
He said that the Nigerian Army has commenced the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in line with the federal government’s financial reform and also in fulfilment of his vision to produce a professional and responsive Nigerian Army.
General Buratai stated this at the opening ceremony of Nigerian Army Biometrics Enrollement Exercise holding at the Army Depot, Zaria in Kaduna state.
Represented by the Director of Administration, Major General Adamu Abubakar, the Army chief explained that the TSA, if adopted by the Army, would help the force to get maximum benefits and operational efficiency.
“I am aware of the efforts made on computerization of the functions of the Nigerian Army which is in line with the ongoing financial reforms of the federal government of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army as a vital arm of government will surely leave no stone unturned in ensuring full implementation of all programmes and policies of the federal government of Nigeria.
“I strongly believe that the objectives of these programmes is to improve service delivery in the Nigerian Army and federal government in general. It is in furtherance to that this exercise is taking place today in order to capture the young soldiers’ data at source which is also in line with my vision: To have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” he stated.
The Acting Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Jehadi Jakko, said that the adoption of the e-payment system by the Nigerian Army in the areas of payment of salaries, planning, budgeting and personnel management, has made utilization of resources more efficient and timely, stressing that only certified trained recruits would be enrolled into the payroll database at the end of the exercise.
He said: “This exercise is aimed at ensuring that only duly certified trained recruits are documented and enrolled into the database. It is to be handled by a team of experts comprising of both NABEE and ICT consultants.
“The sustenance of NABEE over the years has enhanced the administrative and welfare delivery capacity of the Nigerian Army to its personnel.”
Over 600 soldiers are taking part in the exercise.