A mentally Sound Soldier is Critical Asset to The Military - Matawalle Emphasized As he Received Mental Health Experts From U.S. Africa Command

"USAFRICOM’s expertise can be leveraged to enhance mental health services and support systems for Nigerian military personnel" 

The sound mental health of every military personnel is a critical asset, therefore it is important that troops receive every necessary support and have access to the necessary mental health services. 

He said the personnel must possess the mental resilience to effectively handle the extreme stress, trauma, and challenges inherent in military life.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, stated this when he received a team of mental health experts from U.S. Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) in his office at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja. This is contained in a statement issued by the Personal Assistant to the Minister on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil. 

The meeting focused on how USAFRICOM’s expertise can be leveraged to enhance mental health services and support systems for Nigerian military personnel.

The delegation was led by Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Mrs. Helina Meri, other members of the delegation included Dr. Yakubu Adamu, Deputy Country Director, WRAIR; LTC Corey Carnes, U.S. Air Force, Africa Region; LTC Ryan Howry; Maj. Francis Ugoh; and Lt. Col. Nicola Mamson.

According to Matawalle, Nigeria’s pressing needs in the area of mental health for its soldiers, stressing that a healthy soldier is a combat-ready soldier. He highlighted that mental fitness is just as crucial as physical fitness in ensuring operational readiness. 

He commended the U.S. AFRICOM mental health team for the work they have already accomplished, urging them to continue their efforts and maintain their support for Nigerian soldiers and military healthcare institutions. 

He further invited the team to visit key military medical establishments, particularly the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, to gain firsthand insight and identify additional areas for collaboration.

“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the holistic health and welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, recognizing that mental health support is indispensable to operational effectiveness and national security.”

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is a premier U.S. military medical research institution specializing in infectious diseases, trauma care, and mental health. 

This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Defence Health Insurance Programme (MOD-HIP), which aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage and enhance medical services for Nigerian Armed Forces personnel and their families. MOD-HIP’s commitment to strengthening the military health system complements USAFRICOM’s efforts to improve mental health care, build resilience, and provide trauma support within Nigerian military hospitals.