President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated that his government would continue to support the Armed Forces to ensure they effectively discharge their constitutional duties.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the President paid tribute to serving and retired senior military officers, noting that their sacrifices, leadership, and institutional memory had been pillars shaping the Nigerian Army and sustaining its fighting spirit.
“The presence of former Service Chiefs and elder statesmen at this conference underscores the enduring heritage and professionalism of the Armed Forces,” Tinubu said. He commended officers and soldiers for their courage and patriotism, emphasizing that their sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would remain etched in history.
The President highlighted that the conference provided a critical platform for strategic reflection, evaluation, and improvement in training, administration, and operations, particularly amid evolving security challenges.
Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, described the conference as a vital forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness, and aligning the Army’s direction with national security priorities. He stressed the importance of joint operations, inter-agency collaboration, and a whole-of-society approach to addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
In his welcome address, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, thanked the President for sustained political will and strategic support, particularly in personnel welfare, equipment modernization, training, and reforms. Shaibu also acknowledged the National Assembly’s support in enhancing operational readiness across all theatres.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminalities, adding that the force is transforming into a more professional, adaptive, and technology-driven institution.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described security as a prerequisite for development, commending the Army for maintaining peace and stability in the state and assuring continued government support.
The conference was attended by senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence and Army Staff, senior military officers, heads of security agencies, diplomats, and other dignitaries. It is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic issues to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Army.
As part of the conference activities, a book on the biography of the late 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, was unveiled.