The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured energy companies of the Nigerian Army’s continued support in protecting critical infrastructure and creating a secure environment for economic activities to thrive.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Tony Attah, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS described energy security as an integral part of national security, stressing that the protection of strategic energy infrastructure was crucial to industrial productivity, economic stability and national development.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, Shaibu said the Army remained committed to protecting critical national assets and supporting legitimate economic activities.
“The protection of strategic energy assets is essential to sustaining industrial productivity, economic stability and national development. The Nigerian Army will continue to support efforts aimed at securing critical national infrastructure and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities to thrive,” the COAS said.
Shaibu also stressed the importance of sustained engagement between energy companies and communities hosting their operations.
He commended Renaissance Africa Energy for its efforts to build constructive relationships with host communities, saying dialogue, mutual trust and shared interests were essential to maintaining peace and stability in areas where energy activities were carried out.
The Army Chief further said the ongoing expansion and transformation of the Nigerian Army would improve its ability to respond to emerging security challenges and protect strategic national assets.
He explained that the expansion of military formations, alongside improvements in manpower, infrastructure and operational capabilities, would increase the Army’s reach and responsiveness in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Shaibu said the enhanced capacity would also enable the Army to support the Federal Government’s broader economic and development objectives.
Speaking earlier, Attah commended Nigerian Army personnel for their sacrifices in securing the country and protecting strategic economic assets, particularly in challenging operational environments.
The Renaissance Africa Energy chief executive acknowledged the importance of a secure operating environment to the sustainability of the energy sector.
He pledged the company’s continued commitment to supporting energy security, developing indigenous capacity and promoting industrialisation in Nigeria.
According to the Nigerian Army, the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the military and private-sector stakeholders in protecting critical infrastructure and supporting economic development.
