COAS charts new course for Nigerian Army as training reforms, troop welfare take centre stage

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army is set for far-reaching reforms in training, operations and troop welfare as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, unveiled a bold roadmap aimed at transforming the force into a more professional, combat-ready and resilient institution.

Shaibu disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, a high-level gathering that brought together the leadership of the Nigerian military, including Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps and Theatre Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, heads of Army establishments and training institutions, as well as defence advisers and senior officers.

The annual conference, according to the COAS, served as a platform for a frank assessment of the Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, while setting the tone for priorities in the coming year.

“It is indeed gratifying to note that the past few days have been filled with robust and engaging interactions on administration, training and operations of the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.

He noted that deliberations at the conference provided a clearer picture of both progress recorded and challenges encountered across theatres of operation, stressing that lessons learnt would directly shape reforms going forward.

Central to the COAS’ vision is a comprehensive overhaul of the Army’s training architecture, anchored on realism, adaptability and mission-specific outcomes.

“My grand plan for the total overhaul of our schools’ training curriculum will be codified, as I believe that realistic training directly influences operational outcomes,” he said.

Shaibu explained that Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would soon commence a holistic review of curricula across all Nigerian Army schools, with emphasis on mission-focused training tailored to Nigeria’s complex security environment.

Special attention, he said, would be given to the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation, which have become increasingly critical in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

The COAS observed that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented during the conference confirmed that Nigeria’s operating environment was becoming more complex, driven by evolving insurgent tactics, regional instability and global shifts in the character of warfare.

“This evolving threat spectrum necessitates that we enhance our capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, as well as in cyber operations,” he said.

Shaibu emphasised the need for continuous learning, innovation and technological integration at all levels of the Army, noting that modern warfare demanded flexibility and rapid adaptation.

While outlining operational reforms, the COAS also placed strong emphasis on troop welfare, describing it as inseparable from combat effectiveness and morale.

A major concern, he said, remained the persistent shortage of accommodation across Army barracks nationwide.

“In line with our welfare commitments to all Nigerian Army personnel, I shall continue to build on the efforts of past Chiefs of Army Staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation shortages,” he said.

Shaibu directed that all ongoing residential accommodation projects across the Nigerian Army be completed in good time and allocated to personnel, while new housing projects would be initiated across divisions and barracks.

As an interim measure, he disclosed that the Army would embark on a comprehensive programme of renovation works in existing barracks to improve living conditions for troops and their families.

Beyond serving personnel, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to securing post-service housing for soldiers and officers, stressing that retirement should not translate into uncertainty or hardship.

“With all these efforts aimed at elevating existing accommodation shortfalls, we will continue to strike a balance by also securing post-service housing for all our soldiers and officers,” he said.

In furtherance of this commitment, Shaibu announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project for soldiers, alongside the Post-Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex.

“Under my watch, the post-service housing needs of all our soldiers will continue to be a top priority, with due attention given to the completion of ongoing projects,” he assured.

The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustained political support, particularly in the area of military hardware and software procurement, noting that timely interventions from the nation’s leadership remained critical to the Army’s effectiveness.

He also commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and his team for organising what he described as a highly impactful conference, as well as participants whose contributions he said were unprecedented in scope and depth.

“I therefore look forward to receiving a draft summary of decisions in the coming days for necessary approvals and subsequent dissemination for implementation,” Shaibu said.

The COAS said the Nigerian Army was entering a phase of deliberate and purposeful reform one anchored on realistic training, technological innovation and improved welfare aimed at strengthening morale, enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring the safety and security of the country.

Shaibu expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his sustained support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian military, particularly in the areas of capacity building, equipment procurement and troop welfare.

He reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty and commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the President, the Constitution and the Nigerian people, stressing that the Army remained resolute in the defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

COAS charts new course for Nigerian Army as training reforms, troop welfare take centre stage