The Nigerian Army Corps Supply and Transportation (NACST) has organised a two-day conference for senior officers of the corps to strategies on how to continue to improve operational delivery in its various theatre of operations.
The conference with the theme: “Repositioning, Supply and Transport Sustainment to Enhance Operational Effectiveness of An Expanding Nigerian Army would hold from Sept. 29 to Sept. 30 at the Headquarters, NASTC, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The Corps Commander Supply and Transport (CCST) Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya said that the theme speaks directly to the current realities and responsibility of the army to ensure that the corps evolves to provide continued top notch service to the country.
“As the Nigerian Army expands its formations, capabilities and operational commitments, the demand for reliable supply, effective mobility, sound maintenance, responsive logistic support will continue to increase.
“Therefore, this conference will enable commanders and senior officers across various locations to engage meaningfully, exchange lessons and address common challenges efficiently,” he said.
Shagaya said that the Nigerian Army Corps Supply and Transport remained a critical enabler of combat power in the army’s various theatre of operationa across the country.
“Such conditions require logistic structures that are responsive, resilient and flexible enough to maintain operational momentum under pressure.
“Our responsibilities in supply, transportation, firefighting, petroleum product distribution, catering and other sustainment functions, directly affect the mobility, endurance and effectiveness of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
“As the Army grows, we must strengthen our capability, improve our systems and ensure our support remains timely, dependable and mission-focused,” the commander said.
He said that his command philosophy is to advance the development of a highly proficient supply and transport corps, capable of efficiently supporting the Nigerian Army to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities in all missions.
“This philosophy demands professional competence, discipline, innovation and operational responsiveness.
“It also requires us to continually improve our personnel, equipment and processes,” Shagaya said.
He said that his philosophy aligned closely with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu who seeks to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“The Corps has a direct responsibility in translating this vision into operational capability therefore, a major priority is the repositioning of our supply and transport distribution system.
“A professional and combat-ready army cannot be sustained without a logistics system that is equally professional, adaptable and resilient.
“Therefore, the corps must focus on improving demand forecasting, inventory control, stock visibility, warehousing and delivery timelines,” the commandant said.
Shagaya said that it was imperative to strengthen the supply, transport and fleet sustainment by improving vehicle availability, safety and reliability through preventive maintenance, driver training, recovery capability and life cycle management.
“There is also a need to embrace digital logistics, asset tracking, automation, data analytics and responsible artificial intelligence to enhance disability planning, accountability and decision-making.
“Our efforts should equally be directed towards strengthening indigenous capacity by working closely with the defence industries of Nigeria, research institutes and local technologies providers.
“Practical local solutions maintenance, vehicle support and logistics systems should be encouraged wherever they enhance reliability, reduce dependency and support long-term sustainability,” he said.
Shagaya said that the future effectiveness of the corps depended largely on the competence, discipline and commitment of the personnel because logistics remained the foundation of operational effectiveness.
“The Nigerian Army’s ability to project, sustain and maintain combat power will depend significantly on the responsiveness, discipline and resilience of its logistics system.
“I therefore urge all participants to approach this conference with fondness, depth and commitment to results, ensuring that deliberations produce practical recommendations that strengthen the responsiveness, readiness and resilience of our supply chain sustainment architecture,” he said.
The commandant thanked the COAS
for approving the conduct of the conference and for his steadfast leadership and strategic direction and commitment to the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel.
The Chief of Logistics, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka said that operational effectiveness meant that they had to perform their activities better, faster, cheaper while optimising resources, reducing errors and eliminating risks.
Adeyinka charged all the senior officers to continue to guide, monitor and provide good counsel to their officers while on the field.
“I want you must especially to pay attention to our female officers and ensure to being them closer so that we can continue to bring out the best in them,” he said.
The logistics chief charged officers to give their best in the discharge of their duties by sacrificing their time, intelligence and energy to ensuring that the corps evolves to a higher level.
The Chief of Staff, NACST, Brig.-Gen. Philip Ebuk said the recent expansion of the Nigerian army from 8 to 12 divisions presented an opportunity for the corps to amplify her footprints of quality and efficient service delivery in support of the Nigerian army.
“Our ability to adapt to changing operational demands without compromising the logistic support to supported troops is what defines our professionalism and ability as logistics officers.
“As we look towards the future, it is clear that the logistics support will continue to evolve at a rapid pace,” Ebuk said.
The chief of staff said that the corps success would depend not only on technology and infrastructure, but also on their collective ability to collaborate, innovate, and adapt.
“Conferences such as this provide an opportunity for exchange of ideas and the development of strategies that will strengthen our corps and position it for continuous relevance in the Nigerian army.
“In spite the challenges faced by commanders in the field, this veterans conference provides the opportunity to glean and brainstorm,” Ebuk said.
