By Nkechi Eze
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to 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, according to an official statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the annual gathering as a vital platform for strategic reflection and institutional strengthening within the Nigerian Army.
In his address, the President paid tribute to serving and retired senior military officers, acknowledging their sacrifices, leadership and enduring contributions to the evolution of the Nigerian Army. He noted that the presence of elder statesmen and former Service Chiefs at the conference underscored the rich heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit that have defined the Armed Forces over the years.
Tinubu commended officers and soldiers for consistently placing national duty above personal comfort, stressing that their courage and patriotism in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would remain permanently etched in the nation’s history. He observed that the COAS Annual Conference provides an opportunity for honest appraisal of the Army’s training, administration and operational effectiveness, especially in the face of dynamic global, regional and internal security challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), OFR, described the conference as a critical strategic forum for reviewing the Army’s operational posture, assessing its readiness and aligning future plans with national security priorities. He praised the resilience and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel and acknowledged the foundational contributions of past Service Chiefs and senior officers.
The Defence Minister emphasised the need for joint operations, inter-agency collaboration and a whole-of-society approach to addressing Nigeria’s complex security environment. He urged senior commanders to ensure that the resolutions and insights from the conference translate into concrete operational actions and measurable outcomes in the field.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms. He also commended the National Assembly for its legislative and budgetary support, which he said has significantly enhanced the Army’s operational readiness across all theatres.
The COAS reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains central to national efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities. He noted that the Army is undergoing deliberate transformation into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force capable of effectively countering both conventional and asymmetric threats. He urged participants at the conference to be guided by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national peace and stability.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described security as a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development and commended the Nigerian Army for its critical role in preserving national unity and safeguarding democratic governance. He specifically lauded Headquarters 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for its contributions to peace and stability in Lagos State and assured the continued support of the state government for military operations.
The opening ceremony attracted senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Chiefs of Army Staff, senior military officers serving and retired, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps 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 and respond to emerging security challenges.
