NIGERIA: President Tinubu Pledges Sustained Support To Nigerian Army As COAS Annual Conference Opens In Lagos

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the welfare, professionalism, and operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasising that their sacrifices remain central to the nation’s sovereignty and unity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, paid tribute to serving and retired senior military officers for their enduring leadership and institutional contributions.

He described the presence of former Service Chiefs and elder statesmen as a powerful symbol of the Armed Forces’ heritage and fighting spirit.

President Tinubu commended troops for their patriotism and courage in placing national duty above personal comfort, noting that the annual conference serves as an essential forum for strategic reflection, evaluation, and adaptation amid evolving security threats.

Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retired) echoed these sentiments, calling the gathering a crucial platform for assessing readiness and aligning the Army’s direction with national priorities.

He stressed the need for joint operations, inter-agency synergy, and a whole-of-society approach to tackle complex challenges, urging participants to translate deliberations into tangible battlefield outcomes.

Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu expressed deep gratitude to the President for consistent political backing in welfare, equipment modernisation, training, and reforms. He also acknowledged National Assembly support for bolstering operational readiness.

The COAS highlighted the Army’s transformation into a more adaptive, technology-driven force to counter terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and asymmetric threats, calling for patriotism and professionalism in the conference discussions.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described security as indispensable for development, praising the Nigerian Army’s role in upholding unity and democracy.

He specifically commended Headquarters 81 Division for maintaining peace in the state and pledged ongoing government support.

The ceremony drew senior officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence and Army Staff, retired officers, security agency heads, diplomats, and distinguished guests.

The week-long conference will focus on key operational, administrative, and strategic matters to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate in safeguarding the nation.