The Nigerian Army has urged Ecobank Nigeria to develop flexible financial schemes and expand welfare support for officers, soldiers and their families.

Army chief Waidi Shaibu made the call on Wednesday when Ecobank’s managing director, Bolaji Lawal, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja, according to a statement on Thursday.

Mr Shaibu said the army’s partnership with Ecobank, spanning more than two decades, had remained mutually beneficial, particularly in promoting the financial well-being of personnel.

He directed the army’s finance leadership to engage the bank on developing bespoke financial products that reflected the peculiar needs of military personnel.

The army chief also urged Ecobank to expand its corporate social responsibility interventions to complement the army’s welfare programmes. He specifically sought support for wounded-in-action personnel, widows and children of fallen soldiers, saying such interventions would contribute to improving troops’ welfare.

Mr Shaibu said strong institutional partnerships were essential to sustaining a professional, resilient and motivated Army.

Mr Lawal said the bank was ready to deepen its partnership with the army through specialised banking, insurance and lending solutions. He said the initiatives would enhance financial inclusion and give officers and soldiers greater financial flexibility.

Mr Lawal also disclosed plans to extend bespoke financial services to major army institutions and formations, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Depot Nigerian Army and divisions nationwide.

He said the initiative would broaden personnel’s access to financial services while strengthening institutional cooperation between the bank and the army.

(NAN)