By Nkechi Eze
The Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) has commenced the third edition of its Capacity Building Workshop on Protocol and Liaison Duties.
The event, scheduled to take place from 8 – 10 April 2025, is being held at TYB Hall, Army War College Nigeria, Asokoro, Abuja.
Themed “Leveraging Protocol and Liaison for Efficient Joint and Multi-Agency Operations,” the workshop brings together officers from Nigerian Army, sister services, and other security agencies for knowledge exchange and capacity development.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, ably represented by the Director General Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Major General Gbemiga Adeshina emphasized the strategic importance of protocol and liaison duties in enhancing inter-agency coordination and projecting the image of the Nigerian Army in both local and international engagements. He commended the DSSP for organizing the training and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism and synergy in joint operations.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), Major General Jamal Abdussalam, noted that the establishment of the Directorate of Protocol in 2022 was a deliberate effort to improve service delivery in ceremonial, diplomatic, and liaison duties. He stressed the importance of continuous training and inter-agency cooperation to keep pace with global best practices.
In a major highlight of the opening ceremony, the keynote address was delivered by retired Major General JOS Oshanupin. His presentation titled “Corporate Response to National Security”focused on the vital role of structured protocol and liaison systems in building effective national security responses, particularly in a joint and multi-agency environment.
In his closing remarks the Director of Protocol, Major General KE Chigbu, appreciated the resource persons and participants for their active engagement and reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards in all protocol and liaison responsibilities. He encouraged participants to maximize the knowledge gained for the benefit of their respective organizations and national security efforts.
The three-day workshop features expert-led lectures, panel sessions, and practical engagements from seasoned diplomats, senior military officers, and protocol professionals aimed at sharpening the skills of participants in handling complex protocol and liaison functions.
The DSSP remains committed to strengthening the capacity of personnel in line with the COAS’ Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated and combat-ready force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
