President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, underscoring the central role of the military in safeguarding national unity and security.
The President gave the assurance on Monday at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference in Lagos. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu paid glowing tribute to serving and retired senior military officers, noting that their sacrifices, leadership and institutional memory have continued to shape the Nigerian Army.
He described the gathering of elder statesmen and former service chiefs as a powerful testament to the enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces, and commended officers and soldiers who consistently place national duty above personal comfort.
According to him, the sacrifices made by personnel in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would remain indelibly etched in the nation’s history.
Tinubu noted that the annual conference provides a vital platform for honest reflection, strategic assessment and continuous improvement in the Army’s training, administration and operations, particularly in the face of evolving global, regional and national security challenges.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also emphasised the critical link between security and development, describing security as a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable growth. He commended the Nigerian Army for its pivotal role in preserving national unity and protecting democratic governance.
The governor specifically lauded the Headquarters 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for its contributions to peace and stability in Lagos State, assuring the continued support of the state government.
“Nigeria’s military history is deeply interwoven with our national journey—from the early years of independence through periods of profound challenge and transition to our present democratic dispensation. The Nigerian Army has remained a defining institution in the preservation of our territorial integrity and national cohesion,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that history had consistently demonstrated that security is essential for national development, noting that the Army remains one of the most critical instruments through which nations project stability, authority and confidence.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), described the conference as a strategic forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness and aligning the Army’s future direction with Nigeria’s national security priorities.
He commended the resilience and professionalism of Army personnel and acknowledged the contributions of past and serving service chiefs and senior officers. Musa stressed the importance of joint operations, inter-agency collaboration and a whole-of-society approach in addressing the country’s complex security challenges.
The defence minister urged senior commanders to ensure that deliberations at the conference translate into concrete operational actions and measurable results on the battlefield.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic support for the military, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms.
He also acknowledged the legislative and budgetary support of the National Assembly, which he said had significantly enhanced the Army’s operational readiness across all theatres of operation.
