Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Nigerian Army as COAS Annual Conference Opens in Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, pledging sustained strategic support for the Nigerian Army.
The President gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, which commenced on Monday in Lagos.
Speaking through the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to serving and retired senior military officers, describing their sacrifices, leadership and institutional memory as the foundation upon which the Nigerian Army has continued to evolve.
He noted that the presence of elder statesmen, former Service Chiefs and senior officers at the conference underscored the enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
The President commended officers and soldiers for consistently placing national duty above personal comfort, stressing that their sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would remain permanently etched in the nation’s history.
According to him, the COAS Annual Conference provides a critical platform for honest reflection, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement in training, administration and operations, especially in the face of evolving global, regional and national security challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), described the conference as a vital strategic forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness and aligning the Nigerian Army’s future direction with national security priorities.
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He praised the resilience and professionalism of Army personnel and acknowledged the contributions of past Service Chiefs and senior officers, both serving and retired. The Defence Minister emphasised the need for joint operations, inter-agency collaboration and a whole-of-society approach to tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges, urging senior commanders to ensure that deliberations translate into concrete actions and measurable results on the battlefield.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic support, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms.
He also commended the National Assembly for its legislative and budgetary backing, which he said has significantly enhanced the Army’s operational readiness across various theatres of operation.
The COAS reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of national efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality, adding that the force is undergoing deliberate transformation into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven institution capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats.
He urged participants to be guided by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national peace and stability during the conference deliberations.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described security as a fundamental prerequisite for development and commended the Nigerian Army for its role in preserving national unity and safeguarding democratic governance. He particularly praised Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, for its contributions to peace and stability in Lagos State and assured continued support from the state government.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Chiefs of Army Staff, senior military officers serving and retired, heads of security agencies, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
The COAS Annual Conference 2025 is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative and strategic issues aimed at further strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, on December 15, 2025.
By PRNigeria
