NDC Presents Strategic Plan to Boost Army’s NCO Corps by 2035
The National Defence College (NDC) has presented a strategic research paper to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, outlining key recommendations aimed at strengthening the leadership capacity of the Nigerian Army’s Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) by 2035.
The blueprint, according to a statement seeks to enhance operational effectiveness and mission success by building a more professional, empowered and future-ready NCO corps capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The research paper, titled “Strengthening Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership for Operational Efficiency: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by 2035,” was presented on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed.
Receiving the report, Shaibu commended the Commandant and participants of National Defence College Course 34 for producing what he described as a timely, forward-looking and operationally relevant study.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff said the research represents a valuable intellectual contribution to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation efforts.
He stressed that effective leadership at the Non-Commissioned Officer level remains indispensable to building a highly professional, disciplined and combat-ready force capable of confronting the country’s complex security threats.
Shaibu described Non-Commissioned Officers as the backbone of the Nigerian Army, noting that they serve as the vital link between commanders and soldiers by translating operational intent into decisive action on the battlefield.
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He added that strengthening the leadership capacity of NCOs is essential to improving tactical effectiveness, operational readiness and overall mission accomplishment.
The Army Chief assured that the recommendations contained in the report would be carefully examined by relevant departments at Army Headquarters for possible integration into existing policies and leadership development programmes.
He also reaffirmed that investing in the professional development, welfare and career progression of soldiers remains central to his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
According to him, the study aligns with his “Soldier First” culture, which prioritises the welfare, professional growth and empowerment of personnel as the foundation for enhanced operational capability, institutional excellence and national security.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, explained that the research was conducted by Nigerian Army participants of National Defence College Course 34 as part of the programme’s academic requirements.
He said the study examined existing gaps in NCO leadership development and proposed strategic reforms focused on training, mentorship, career progression and welfare to prepare future military leaders for increasingly complex operational environments.
Ahmed expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would further strengthen the leadership effectiveness and professionalism of the Nigerian Army’s NCO corps while reinforcing the Service’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
By PRNigeria
