1999 marked a new chapter for Nigerians because it was the year their country became a democracy yet the people still feel wary of their servicemen. It’s because of the military coups they endured way back, a dark history that the Nigerian Army is trying to wipe off through electricity.

Having successfully delivered 5 No Tower 132 KV double circuit transmission lines to the Tegina-Zungeru area of Niger State, the army seems to be resetting the impression that an average Nigerian has of them as being aggressive and never builders.

A contract commissioned to Sappers Engineering Nigeria Limited (SENL), which is a subsidiary of the Nigerian Army Engineers corps by the China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) in 2023 is what brought up the opportunity to attempt the changing of opinions although the military unit would argue that it’s not intentionally trying to do that.

Due to the insecurity challenges in northern Nigeria, which continue to exist, the Chinese had to outsource the construction of the transmission lines to more capable hands. Even though they still face difficulties confronting terrorists, none is better placed than the army to hold a perimeter until the electricity infrastructure building task has been completed.

And so, with that box permanently checked, army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu released an X platform statement on Wednesday, 21 February showing what had been achieved.

The Director of Army Public Relations Nwachukwu used it as an opportunity to say that the Nigerian Army is committed to contributing its quota to the [socio-economic] development and progress of the country as it continues to deploy its special capabilities to support the nation’s growth.

NIGERIAN ARMY ENGINEERS DELIVER ZUNGERU DOUBLE CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION LINE

The Sappers Engineering Nigeria Limited (SENL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian Army Engineers, has successfully delivered 5 No Tower 132 KV double circuit transmission lines, as part of a significant… pic.twitter.com/FqeCUaPlrE

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) February 21, 2024

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Ever since its creation, the Nigerian Army or any other local military unit for that matter have not had a reason to defend against external aggression against their country, which then encourages the question: What is the army good for?

Over time, at least in the years preceding the 1999 switch to democracy in Nigeria, the army had found it difficult to detach from being thought of as the symbol of instability in the country. This is because without their coups and interruption of civilian rule, newly independent Nigeria dating back to 1960 to 1966, could have fared better.

It was only in March 1998 when Nigerian soldiers entered Freetown, Sierra Leone for peace-keeping service when the West African neighbours were experiencing a major disarray that the army officers had been thought to have made their countrymen proud. Prior to that was the even more complex operation in Liberia. At home in Nigeria and leading under a dictatorship, they had been cruel and menacing to civilians they were to protect.

While past misbehaviour might be looked at now as water that has passed under the bridge, there is a long ladder to climb in building trust. Delivering five tower 132 KV double circuit transmission lines to the Niger community is welcome, but it is only a step taken as several more would be needed to change public perception.

Militaries worldwide are renowned for lending their unique expertise in delivering complex solutions, such as roads and bridges, among other infrastructure, in India, the United States, China, and many more. With the Nigerian Army going this route, it can only bode well for the country.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.