President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s firm commitment to strengthening the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 commenced in Lagos.
The President gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the conference, a key forum for strategic engagement and reflection within the Nigerian Army.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to serving and retired senior military officers whose leadership, sacrifices and institutional memory have continued to shape the growth and resilience of the Army.
He described the presence of elder statesmen and former Service Chiefs at the conference as a powerful reminder of the Nigerian Army’s enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit.
According to the President, the contributions of officers and soldiers who consistently place national duty above personal comfort remain deeply etched in the nation’s history.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, President Tinubu noted that the COAS Annual Conference provides a critical platform for honest self-assessment, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement in training, administration and operations.
He stressed that such engagements are especially vital in addressing evolving global, regional and domestic security challenges confronting the country.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), also described the conference as a vital strategic forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness and aligning the future direction of the Nigerian Army with national security priorities.
He commended the resilience and professionalism of Army personnel and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of past Service Chiefs and senior officers, both serving and retired.
Emphasising the complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, the Defence Minister called for enhanced joint operations, stronger inter-agency collaboration and a whole-of-society approach to security.
He urged senior commanders to ensure that the resolutions of the conference translate into tangible operational outcomes and measurable results in the field.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu,, expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic support, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms.
He also acknowledged the critical legislative and budgetary support of the National Assembly, which he said has significantly boosted the Army’s operational readiness across all theatres.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s leading role in national efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality.
He noted that the Army is deliberately transforming into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force capable of countering both conventional and asymmetric threats.
He urged participants to be guided by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national peace and stability throughout the conference.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored security as a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its pivotal role in preserving national unity and safeguarding democratic governance, particularly praising Headquarters 81 Division for its contributions to peace and stability in Lagos State.
The governor assured the Army of the continued support of the Lagos State Government.
The opening ceremony attracted senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Chiefs of Army Staff, serving and retired senior military officers, heads of security agencies, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
The COAS Annual Conference 2025 is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative and strategic issues aimed at further strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Linus Aleke
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