The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu on Monday said that professionalism in the Nigerian Army can only be attained through continuous learning, innovation, discipline, and institutional excellence.
Shaibu said this at the 15th Biennial Training Conference with the theme: “Leveraging Digital Financial Technology and Professionalism for Enhanced Troops Morale needed for Mission Success”.
The conference will hold from Aug.9 to Aug.14 at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration Auditorium, Nigerian Army Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos.
Shaibu was represented by the Corps Commander Ordnance, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Garba Ibrahim.
The COAS said that contemporary operating environment was becoming increasingly dynamic, complex and technology-driven.
“I, therefore expect every participant to approach the conference with an open-minded commitment to implementing the knowledge acquired for the benefit of the Nigerian Army.
“Modern warfare is no longer determined solely by the strength of weapons or the courage of troops on the battlefield.
“It is equally influenced by the efficiency of administrative support systems that sustain operations, therefore, financial support has become a strategic combat multiplier,” he said.
According to Shaibu, timely budgeting, transparent resource allocation, prompt payment of personnel entitlements, efficient procurement processes, and prudent financial stewardship directly influence operational readiness troop morale and mission success.
“This reality becomes even more significant as the Army continues to conduct simultaneous operations across multiple theatres while responding to evolving asymmetric threats.
“Under these circumstances, every Naira appropriated for defense procurements must produce measurable operational value.
“Waste, inefficiency, weak internal controls and financial leakages are luxuries the Nigerian Army cannot afford,” he said.
The COAS urged officers of the Nigerian Army Financial School to embrace a culture of innovation, fiscal discipline, accountability, and resource-oriented service delivery.
“Every financial decision must, therefore, directly or indirectly advance our operational effectiveness and personal welfare while upholding the soldier-first culture.
“The theme of this conference is highly relevant because it underscores the imperative of harnessing digital technologies and professional excellence to strengthen financial governance and support the operational aspirations of the Nigerian Army.
“I am particularly delighted that this conference is taking place at a period when the federal government is implementing far-reaching public financial management reforms aimed at improving fiscal sustainability, transparency, revenue generation, and accountability in the management of public resources,” Shaibu said.
According to him, recent reforms, including, the ongoing implementation of comprehensive tax reforms, the continued deployment of digital payment platforms, the strengthening of Treasury Single Account compliance among others were fundamentally redefining public sector financial administration.
“These reforms are not merely policy directives but represent a national commitment to transparency, efficiency, and prudent management of scarce resources.
“The Nigerian Army’s financial scope will, therefore, remain proactive in aligning its financial processes with these reforms while ensuring that operational effectiveness is never compromised.
“Our systems will, therefore, remain sufficiently flexible to support the unique operational requirements of military deployments, such as finding compliance with excellent financial regulations,” the COAS said.
Shaibu charged all financial officers to continuously update their operational knowledge, embrace emerging technologies, strengthen financial analytics, and develop competencies in enterprise financial systems, digital auditing, cybersecurity, risk management, and data-driven decision-making.
“As financial managers, you must not only understand financial regulations but also anticipate future challenges and develop innovative solutions in support of military operations in an increasingly digital environment.
“The Nigerian Army has made significant investments in the digital transformation of its financial architecture.
“I am pleased with the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army’s financial scope towards improving automation and financial processes, enhancing accountability, strengthening auditing mechanisms, promoting transparency, and ensuring timely demand for operational analysis and personnel engagements,” he said.
The COAS, however, sir that digital transformation was a journey rather than a destination stating that emerging trends such as cybercrime, identity theft, financial fraud and manipulation of digital information required constant vigilance.
“As custodians of sensitive financial information, you must maintain the highest standard of information security, data integrity, and professional ethics.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to support every initiative that promotes efficiency, innovation accountability, and value for money in the management of defense resources.
“I therefore expect this conference to generate practical recommendations that are capable of strengthening financial governance and enhancing operational support across all formations and units of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Shaibu commended the Chief of Accounts and Budgets in Army, the leadership of the Nigerian Army’s financial and planning committee for sustaining this important professional engagement.
“I also acknowledge the immense contribution of our retired commanders, senior officers, and veterans.
“Their sacrifices, mentorship, and enduring legacy will continue to shape the professional standard of the Corps.
“The Nigerian Army Finance Corps must remain at the forefront of this reform and continue to serve as a strategic partner in delivering compact power through sound financial stewardship,” he said.
