The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS made the remarks on Friday, 3 July 2026, during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s (RSM’s) House in Port Harcourt.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of standards, discipline and morale within the ranks, stressing that their contributions remain indispensable to the success of military operations.
He noted that the provision of dedicated and quality accommodation for RSMs is not only a welfare initiative but also a strategic investment in strengthening leadership at the unit level. According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command intent into action, maintaining cohesion among troops and ensuring the effective implementation of operational directives.
The COAS further stated that RSMs serve as a critical link between officers and soldiers, fostering mutual trust, professionalism and esprit de corps. He added that their influence on discipline, mentorship and troop motivation significantly enhances mission success across all theatres of operation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also emphasized that providing conducive living conditions for key regimental leaders strengthens their capacity to perform their responsibilities effectively, thereby improving the overall operational readiness and performance of the Nigerian Army.
He reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
The statement added that the COAS maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure for leadership cadres such as Regimental Sergeant Majors is essential to building a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
