The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to the mental well-being of military personnel, describing sound mental health as a critical asset in ensuring operational readiness.
He made this assertion while receiving a delegation of mental health experts from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The visit was detailed in a statement issued by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant to the Minister on Media.
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“A healthy soldier is a combat-ready soldier,” Dr Matawalle stated.
“Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness in enabling our troops to withstand the extreme stress, trauma, and psychological demands of military service.”
Focus on Resilience, Readiness, and Recovery
The delegation, led by Mrs Helina Meri, Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), also included Dr Yakubu Adamu, Deputy Country Director, WRAIR; LTC Corey Carnes and LTC Ryan Howry of the U.S. Air Force, Africa Region; Maj. Francis Ugoh; and Lt. Col. Nicola Mamson.
WRAIR is a premier U.S. military medical research institution, with specialised focus on infectious diseases, trauma care, and mental health.
The meeting explored how AFRICOM’s expertise could support the enhancement of Nigeria’s mental health services for military personnel, particularly in light of the stressors and traumatic experiences that often accompany military operations.
Partnerships to Strengthen Mental Health Infrastructure
The initiative aligns with the goals of the Ministry of Defence Health Insurance Programme (MOD-HIP), which seeks to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
MOD-HIP’s objectives—strengthening military medical institutions and expanding trauma care—complement the efforts by AFRICOM to build resilience and expand mental health services across Nigeria’s military healthcare system.
Dr Matawalle commended the AFRICOM team for their previous contributions and urged the continuation of such support.
He also invited the delegation to visit the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna for a firsthand assessment and to identify potential areas for deeper collaboration.
Nigerian Government Committed to Holistic Troop Welfare
“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the holistic health and welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the Minister said.
“Mental health support is indispensable to operational effectiveness and national security.”
The meeting underscores the increasing importance placed on mental health services in modern military operations and reflects the ongoing strategic collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in strengthening health and defence systems.