The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said strengthening the leadership capacity of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) is critical to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu stated this in Abuja while receiving a strategic research paper from the National Defence College (NDC) titled, “Strengthening Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership for Operational Efficiency: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by 2035.” The paper was presented by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed.
The COAS described the study as a timely and forward-looking contribution to the Army’s transformation efforts, noting that effective leadership at the NCO level is indispensable to building a highly professional, disciplined and combat-ready force capable of responding to the country’s changing security environment.
He said Non-Commissioned Officers remain the backbone of the Nigerian Army, serving as the critical link between commanders and soldiers by translating operational directives into effective action on the battlefield.
According to him, strengthening the leadership capacity of NCOs will improve tactical effectiveness, operational readiness and overall mission accomplishment.
He added that the recommendations contained in the research would be carefully examined by relevant departments at Army Headquarters for possible integration into existing policies and leadership development programmes.
Shaibu also reaffirmed his commitment to investing in the professional development, welfare and career progression of soldiers, describing the approach as central to his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Ahmed, said the research was conducted by Nigerian Army participants of National Defence College Course 34 as part of their academic requirements.
He explained that the study identified gaps in NCO leadership development and proposed strategic reforms in training, mentorship, career progression and welfare to prepare future military leaders for increasingly complex operational environments.
Ahmed expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would strengthen the leadership effectiveness of the Army’s Non-Commissioned Officer corps, deepen professionalism and enhance the Service’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
