The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening its logistics capacity, describing effective logistics support as critical to operational success and national security.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of participants of the Logistics Staff Officers Course and the Junior Leadership Logistics Staff Officers Course at the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM), Lagos, on Friday, Shaibu said the Army would continue to invest in professional military education, infrastructure, technology and logistics capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.
The Army Chief noted that the evolving nature of contemporary security threats requires logistics officers who are professionally trained, innovative and adaptable to sustain military operations within joint and multi-agency environments.
“No military operation can achieve decisive results without well-trained logistics personnel capable of providing timely, coordinated and sustainable support to troops across all theatres of operation,” he said.
According to him, logistics is more than a support function, stressing that it serves as a strategic enabler that must be integrated into operational planning from the outset.
He explained that effective logistics planning enhances combat power, troop mobility, equipment serviceability, medical support and efficient resource utilisation, all of which are essential for mission success.
Shaibu observed that the Nigerian Army’s ongoing operations against terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements have continued to highlight the importance of sound logistics planning and professional competence in sustaining operational momentum and achieving decisive outcomes.
Addressing the graduating officers, the COAS urged them to deploy the knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the courses to improve logistics planning and operational sustainment in their respective formations and units.
“An Army that fails to plan its logistics has already failed in its mission,” he said.
He also charged the officers to uphold professionalism, innovation and accountability in managing military resources, noting that efficient logistics support not only sustains operations but also improves troop welfare, boosts morale and preserves combat capability.
The Army Chief commended the commandant, directing staff and instructors of the college for maintaining high training standards and producing competent logistics professionals capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare.
He reaffirmed Army Headquarters’ resolve to build a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force in line with his command philosophy.
Earlier, the Commandant of NACOLM, Major General Adewale Adetoba, disclosed that the college had reviewed its curriculum to reflect the realities of modern warfare and the requirements of joint and multi-agency operations.
Adetoba expressed confidence that the graduating officers had acquired the requisite knowledge and practical skills needed to strengthen operational planning, logistics support and force sustainment, thereby contributing to the Nigerian Army’s efforts to safeguard national peace, security and territorial integrity.
