COAS urges regimental sergeants major to uphold discipline, professionalism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has charged Regimental Sergeants Major (RSMs) across all Army formations to sustain high standards of discipline, leadership, and professionalism in the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu made the call on Thursday in Enugu at the closing ceremony of the 2nd Regimental Sergeants Major (RSM) Convention 2025, themed “RSM Roles in Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness.”hosted under the Department of Administration, Nigerian Army.

The event, which was attended by top military officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, also featured participants from sister services and other security agencies.

In his address, the COAS said the convention was of great significance as it marked his first official engagement since assuming office as Chief of Army Staff.

He noted that the gathering had provided a platform for meaningful deliberations and exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening regimental standards and leadership across all formations.

“Over the past few days, you have been engaged in productive discussions that fostered knowledge sharing and exchange of invaluable insights. I am confident that the deliberations have deepened your understanding of the vital role you play in the overall functioning of our Army,” Shuaibu said.

He described the RSMs as the “custodians of regimentation and discipline” and the “moral compass” that guides the conduct of soldiers, particularly in ongoing operations across all theatres.

“The leadership and mentorship standards you demonstrate greatly shape and define the ideals of professionalism that our soldiers embrace as the true meaning of soldiering.

“I urge you all to return to your units with renewed zeal and determination to nurture warriors that the Nigerian Army and indeed the entire nation can take pride in,” he said.

Shuaibu commended the active participation and commitment of RSMs throughout the four-day convention, noting that their dedication and engagement had enriched the proceedings.

He said the topics discussed, including unit identity, regimental culture, substance abuse prevention, administrative challenges, social media responsibility, and mentorship, were carefully selected to address practical realities in the field.

“I am aware that the convention covered a range of important subjects such as fostering loyalty to regimental culture, combating substance abuse among troops, addressing administrative challenges in formations, and enhancing operational effectiveness.

“Other lectures on balancing traditions and modernity, bridging communication gaps between RSMs and commanders, and creating mentorship structures for soldiers were also well received,” he said.

The COAS expressed confidence that the lessons learned from the convention would translate into improved combat readiness and operational efficiency across Army formations.

“As this convention draws to a close, I urge all participants to take ownership of its outcomes and demonstrate renewed commitment to fulfilling your duties and responsibilities as Regimental Sergeants Major,” he said.

Shuaibu also commended the Chief of Administration (Army) and the organizing committee for their meticulous planning and successful coordination of the event.

He expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government, sister services, and all partners for their support and collaboration in ensuring the success of the 2025 RSM Convention.

“Finally, I say to you, my fellow Regimental Sergeants Major, as you depart this convention, carry with you the pride of your country, the weight of your responsibilities, and the honour of being the custodians of discipline and tradition in the Nigerian Army.

“Live by example, guide with wisdom, and inspire courage,” the COAS added.

He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander in Chief for his unwavering support to the Nigerian army and assuring the president of the army’s commitment toward restoring peace in country.

Earlier speaking, The Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, commended the Regimental Sergeants Major (RSMs) for their steadfastness and commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism in the Nigerian Army.

In his address, Abdullahi said the convention had provided participants with a valuable opportunity to reflect deeply on their regimental responsibilities and strengthen their leadership qualities.

“Over the past four days, we have witnessed a series of engaging and intellectually stimulating lectures and interactive sessions delivered by carefully selected resource persons in alignment with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu,” he said.

He explained that the presentations were designed to strengthen regimental standards, sharpen leadership capacity, and reinforce the crucial role of RSMs as custodians of discipline, morale, and professionalism in all Nigerian Army formations.

Abdullahi urged participants to apply the lessons and best practices gained during the convention in their respective units and formations to multiply its impact across the Nigerian Army.

“The lessons learned here do not end within the walls of this convention. I urge all participants to take these insights to your various duty posts, thereby sustaining the high standards of discipline and effectiveness expected of a professional fighting force,” he said.

The Chief of Administration described the 2025 edition as historic, being the first to include joint participation from sister services and other security agencies a development he said underscored the Army’s commitment to jointness and interoperability in modern military operations.

“This initiative demonstrates our collective resolve toward cooperation and unity of effort in the face of evolving security challenges,” he added.

Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering support to the Department of Administration and the Nigerian Army as a whole.

“The seamless logistics, excellent coordination, and dedication of all involved have contributed immensely to the success of this convention,” he said.

Abdullahi also thanked the Enugu State Government for its hospitality and support, noting that the peaceful environment provided by the state contributed to the success of the event.

He concluded by urging all RSMs to sustain the Army’s core values of loyalty, discipline, and selfless service while mentoring younger soldiers to emulate professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
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