President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Gatekeepers News reports that the President gave the assurance on Wednesday at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu paid 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 testament to the enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
Tinubu commended the courage and patriotism of officers and soldiers who consistently place national duty above personal comfort, stressing that their sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would remain indelibly etched in the nation’s history.
According to him, the annual conference provides a vital platform for honest reflection, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement in the Army’s training, administration and operations, especially amid evolving global, regional and national security challenges.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described security as a fundamental prerequisite for development, while commending the Nigerian Army for its pivotal role in preserving national unity and safeguarding democratic governance.
He particularly lauded the Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, for its contributions to peace and stability in Lagos, assuring the state government’s continued support for the military.
“Nigeria’s military history is deeply interwoven with our national journey, from the early years of independence to periods of profound challenges 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.
“History has consistently shown that security is a fundamental prerequisite for national development, and the Nigerian Army remains one of the most critical instruments through which nations project stability, authority and confidence,” he added.
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 national security priorities.
He commended the resilience and professionalism of Army personnel, while acknowledging the contributions of past service chiefs and senior officers, both serving and retired. Musa emphasised the need for joint operations, inter-agency collaboration and a whole-of-society approach to addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
He urged senior commanders to ensure that the outcomes of 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 appreciation to President Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic support to 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.
