President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 commenced in Lagos.
The President gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the conference, where he paid tribute to serving and retired senior military officers for their sacrifices, leadership and enduring contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the gathering of elder statesmen and former Service Chiefs as a reflection of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit.
He commended officers and soldiers for placing national duty above personal comfort, noting that their sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would remain part of the nation’s history.
The President said the COAS Annual Conference provides a critical platform for reflection, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement in the Army’s training, administration and operations, particularly amid evolving security challenges at the global, regional and national levels.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, described the conference as a vital forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness and aligning the Nigerian Army’s future direction with national security priorities. He commended the resilience and professionalism of Army personnel and acknowledged the contributions of past and present Service Chiefs.
Musa emphasised the need for joint operations, inter-agency collaboration and a whole-of-society approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, urging senior commanders to ensure that deliberations at the conference translate into concrete operational outcomes.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for sustained political support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms. He also acknowledged the legislative and budgetary support of the National Assembly, which he said has strengthened the Army’s operational readiness across various theatres.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality, adding that efforts were ongoing to transform the force into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven institution capable of responding to both conventional and asymmetric threats.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described security as essential to development and commended the Nigerian Army for its role in preserving national unity and democratic governance. He praised the Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, for its contribution to peace and stability in Lagos State and pledged continued support from the state government.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Army Staff, senior military officers, heads of security agencies, diplomats and other dignitaries.