The National Defence College (NDC) has presented a comprehensive strategic blueprint to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, aimed at strengthening the leadership capacity of the Nigerian Army’s Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and mission success by 2035.
The research document, titled Strengthening Non Commissioned Officers Leadership for Operational Efficiency: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by 2035, was presented at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed. The study outlines practical policy recommendations designed to reinforce professionalism, leadership excellence and institutional resilience across the Army.
The report identifies the NCO corps as a vital pillar of military effectiveness and proposes reforms that will equip soldiers with the leadership skills, training and institutional support required to meet emerging security challenges in an increasingly complex operational environment.
Receiving the report, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Commandant and participants of National Defence College Course 34 for producing what he described as a timely and forward looking research capable of supporting the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation agenda.
The Chief of Army Staff stressed that effective leadership at the Non Commissioned Officer level remains essential to building a disciplined, professional and combat ready force capable of responding decisively to Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
According to him, NCOs remain the backbone of the Nigerian Army, serving as the crucial link between commanders and troops while translating operational directives into effective action on the battlefield. He noted that strengthening their leadership would significantly improve operational readiness and tactical performance.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured that the recommendations contained in the strategic paper would receive detailed consideration by relevant departments at the Army Headquarters for possible integration into existing leadership development policies and institutional reforms.
He further reiterated that investment in personnel development, welfare and career progression remains at the heart of his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat ready and resilient force capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional responsibilities within joint and multi agency operations.
The COAS also stated that the research aligns with his Soldier First initiative, which places priority on the welfare, professional growth and empowerment of soldiers as the foundation for operational excellence, institutional effectiveness and national security.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Ahmed explained that the research was conducted by Nigerian Army participants of National Defence College Course 34 as part of their academic programme. He expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would strengthen NCO leadership, deepen professionalism and further enhance the Nigerian Army’s capacity to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the years ahead.