The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has identified effective data management and record keeping as critical to informed decision making, operational efficiency and the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu stated this on Tuesday at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Abuja, while declaring open the fourth edition of the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary Data Management and Record Keeping Seminar.
The seminar, themed, “Efficient Data Management and Record Keeping: Imperative for Advancing the Transformation of the Nigerian Army,” brought together military personnel, academics and other experts to examine emerging approaches to managing, securing and preserving institutional information.
Represented by the Dean, Faculty of Combat Arms Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj. Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, the COAS said accurate and accessible information was indispensable to effective military administration.
He noted that although attention was often focused on force structure, equipment, training and other capabilities, the success of such initiatives depended largely on the quality and reliability of the data supporting decision making.
According to him, critical areas such as recruitment, commissioning, postings, promotions, career progression, personnel welfare, logistics, force generation and operational planning require accurate, timely and secure information.
Shaibu said the changing security environment and rapid technological development had made it imperative for the Nigerian Army to move beyond traditional methods of record keeping and adopt integrated and technology driven systems.
He urged personnel to strengthen their capacity in data governance, cybersecurity, records preservation and information assurance, stressing that such measures would improve efficiency, interoperability and institutional resilience.
The COAS also described data management and record keeping as collective responsibilities that require discipline, professionalism and accountability across all levels of command.
He urged participants to use the seminar to exchange ideas, acquire relevant knowledge and apply the lessons learned to improve processes within their formations, units and establishments.
Shaibu commended the Department of Military Secretary for organising the seminar, describing it as timely and relevant to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s administrative and institutional systems.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support for the transformation and modernisation of the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, the Acting Military Secretary (Army), Brig. Gen. Mathew Oyekola, described effective data management and record keeping as essential to sound administration, institutional memory and operational effectiveness.
Oyekola said the seminar was designed to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills required to implement secure, efficient and standardised data management practices, while urging strict compliance with established standard operating procedures.
Delivering the keynote lecture, titled “Efficient Data Management and Record Keeping: A Catalyst for Enhancing Career Management and Administration in the Nigerian Army,” Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo (rtd) said modern military career management could no longer rely on manual and fragmented systems. He called for greater investment in digital solutions, data governance, cybersecurity and capacity development to improve personnel administration and strengthen the Army’s institutional memory.