By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of effective career planning and management of officers as a key driver of operational success within the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief made this known at the opening ceremony of the 7th Army Headquarters Department of the Military Secretary Career Planning and Management Seminar 2026, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess on March 10, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff stressed that strategic personnel management remains vital for harnessing the leadership potential and professional capabilities of officers across the Service.
Speaking on the theme, “Efficient Career Planning and Management of Officers: Key to Advancing the Transformation of the Nigerian Army within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” the COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Adewale Adekeye, noted that modern security realities require the Nigerian Army to adopt proactive and innovative approaches in managing its human resources.
He explained that the evolving nature of warfare demands a force that is not only operationally ready but also strategically managed through effective deployment of personnel based on their professional competencies and areas of specialization.
According to him, placing officers in roles that align with their expertise and leadership capacity will enhance productivity and significantly improve operational effectiveness across various theatres of operation.
The Army Chief further emphasized the need for modern approaches to career development and human resource management in order to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s ability to operate efficiently within a joint and multi-agency security environment.
He also urged officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication to service in the discharge of their duties.
In his welcome remarks, the Military Secretary (Army), Everest Okoro, said the seminar was organised to sustain high standards in the planning and management of officers’ careers, which remains a central responsibility of the Department of the Military Secretary.
Major General Okoro explained that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s officer career management framework and ensure that personnel development aligns with the Service’s transformation agenda.
The seminar featured lectures and discussions delivered by experienced military and academic resource persons, focusing on contemporary approaches to military human resource management, career planning and personnel welfare.
Participants explored strategies aimed at enhancing professionalism, boosting morale and strengthening operational effectiveness within the Nigerian Army.
