…PLACES HIGH PREMIUM ON ACCOMMODATION FOR SOLDIERS
By Okosun Dennis
In line with improving training, administrative and logistics concerns of the Nigerian Army to perform to its optimal level, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu has reaffirmed its commitment to rejig training to align with his Command philosophy.
While declaring closed the COAS Annual Conference 2025 held at the Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba-Surulere today, Thursday, 18th December, 2025, the Army Chief disclosed that the last few days of the conference made it possible to have robust interactive engagements on the administration, training, and operations of the Nigerian Army.
The extensive deliberations, he stressed, “broadened our collective perception on our progress and setbacks in the year 2025 and what we must aspire to achieve in the coming year.”
According to Lt Gen Shaibu, “We will immediately begin to rejig our training, operations and other administrative and logistics concerns to further align with my Command Philosophy which aims “To Advance the Transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more Professional, Adaptable, Combat Ready and Resilient Force Capable of Decisively Discharging its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”.
“Going forward, my grand plan for a total overhaul of our schools training curricula will be codified as I believe that realistic training directly influences operational outcomes. Therefore, Army Headquarters through its Department of Training, will drive mission specific and focused training while carrying out a holistic review of the training in all Nigerian Army schools.
“More emphasis will also be placed on the training and employment of our Special Forces and Army Aviation amongst others, to achieve our desired operational outcomes.”
In a nutshell, he noted, “we shall be making radical but informed changes to our training and operational activities in the coming year with deliberate intervention in the training needs of the Special Forces School to optimally conduct its training.”
In addition, the Army Chief averred that the Intelligence brief received on Nigerian Army operations during the conference is a reaffirmation that the operating environment is increasingly becoming more complex.
To that effect, Lt Gen Shaibu emphasized, “This evolving threat spectrum necessitates that we enhance our capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance as well as in cyber operations.
“In addition, our current regional dynamics with the attendant instability coupled with the global shifts in the character of warfare, requires that we continuously learn, adapt and innovate at all levels.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Army would continue to leverage on the timely interventions of the country’s political leadership for military hard and software procurement, as well as continue to advance the promotion of a culture of innovation and technological integration at all levels.
On shortages of accommodation for personnel, the COAS highlighted that he would build on the efforts of past Chiefs of Army Staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation deficit.
To fast track the provision of accommodation therefore, the COAS has directed that all ongoing residential accommodation projects in the Nigerian Army be completed in good time and allocated to personnel, while new ones are to be initiated across barracks in all the Divisions.
“As a stopgap measure, the Nigerian Army will be investing in a more comprehensive spread of renovation works in all our barracks. To fill the gap, securing post-service housing for our soldiers.
In demonstration of his zeal to ensure maximum commitment to welfare drive, the Chief of Army Staff will commission “Affordable Home Ownership Option for all soldiers in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, and the Akobo project and post-Service Housing Development Limited Shopping Complex in Eleyele.
Also, Lt Gen Shaibu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unflinching and sustained support to the Nigerian Army, assuring of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the defence and security of our country and reaffirm the unalloyed loyalty of the entire Nigerian Army to the Commander-in-Chief and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He disclosed that the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, will take place on Saturday, 20th December, 2025.
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