The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the critical role of strategic career planning and effective personnel management in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th Army Headquarters Department of the Military Secretary Career Planning and Management Seminar 2026 in Abuja, the Army Chief stressed that a well-structured career development framework remains central to building a highly professional and combat-ready force.
The seminar, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess on Tuesday, brought together senior officers, military administrators and resource persons to deliberate on improving the Nigerian Army’s career management system.
Represented by the Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Major General Adewale Adekeye, the COAS noted that efficient career planning enables the Army to fully harness the leadership potential, expertise and professional capacity of its officers.
He explained that the changing dynamics of modern warfare require the Nigerian Army to constantly adapt through innovative personnel management strategies capable of responding to emerging security threats.
According to him, deploying officers strictly in line with their competencies, training and professional specialization will significantly boost productivity while enhancing the operational effectiveness of the force.
The Army Chief also emphasized the importance of adopting modern human resource management models to ensure the Nigerian Army remains effective in a joint and multi-agency security environment.
He further urged officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication to duty, stressing that the strength of the Army lies largely in the quality and commitment of its personnel.
In his welcome address, the Military Secretary (Army), Major General Everest Okoro, said the seminar was designed to reinforce best practices in the planning and management of officers’ careers across the Nigerian Army.
Okoro explained that the initiative forms part of broader institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the Army’s officer career management structure while sustaining professionalism, morale and operational excellence through continuous training and knowledge sharing.