The Nigerian Army has urged Ecobank Nigeria to develop flexible financial schemes and expand welfare support for officers, soldiers and their families.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the call on Wednesday when Ecobank Managing Director, Bolaji Lawal, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, Shaibu said the Army’s partnership with Ecobank, which spans more than two decades, had been mutually beneficial, particularly in promoting personnel’s financial well-being.
He directed the Army’s finance leadership to engage the bank on developing tailored financial products that address the specific needs of military personnel.
Shaibu also urged Ecobank to expand its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes to complement the Army’s welfare initiatives, particularly support for wounded-in-action personnel, widows and children of fallen soldiers.
He said strong institutional partnerships were essential to sustaining a professional, resilient and motivated Army.
In his remarks, Lawal said the bank was ready to deepen its partnership with the Army through specialised banking, insurance and lending solutions to improve financial inclusion and provide greater financial flexibility for personnel.
He also disclosed plans to extend tailored financial services to major Army institutions and formations, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Depot Nigerian Army and divisions nationwide.
Lawal said the initiative would broaden personnel’s access to financial services and strengthen institutional cooperation between Ecobank and the Nigerian Army.
