Nigerian Army Holds Maiden Chief Clerks’ Convention In Ibadan, Pushes For Faster Decision-Making, Joint Operations
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday called for stronger joint military operations, improved administrative efficiency, and faster decision-making systems as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Army to tackle emerging security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call during the opening ceremony of the maiden Nigerian Army Chief Clerks’ Convention 2026 held at Eledua Event Hall, Moniya, Ibadan.
The four-day convention, which brought together Chief Clerks from formations across the country, is aimed at strengthening administrative professionalism, enhancing record management systems, and improving decision-support structures within the Army.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the COAS said contemporary security challenges require a more coordinated, technologically driven military structure capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats.
According to him, modern warfare is increasingly shaped by asymmetric and hybrid threats such as terrorism, insurgency, cyber-attacks, disinformation, and transnational organised crime, all of which demand rapid and accurate decision-making across command structures.
“These challenges demand a flexible and coordinated response across the defence and security architecture. Within this environment, administrative precision, real-time information flow, and personnel accountability have become as critical to mission success as firepower and manoeuvre,” he said.
Shaibu stressed that joint operations and timely command decisions remain central to operational success, noting that no single security agency can effectively address today’s complex threats in isolation.
He explained that the convention was organised to assess and strengthen the role of Chief Clerks in supporting command decisions through efficient information management and administrative coordination.
The Army Chief noted that the clerical cadre plays a strategic role in ensuring accurate records, timely communication, and effective administrative support, all of which directly influence operational effectiveness in the field.
He further outlined five key pillars of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, including strengthening professionalism and discipline, enhancing administrative efficiency, improving training and operational readiness, deepening technological integration, and advancing personnel welfare.
Shaibu disclosed that ongoing reforms within the Army include the digitisation of service records, automation of pay and allowances, and deployment of an integrated human resource management system across formations.
“These reforms are designed to improve transparency, speed, accountability, and ensure that commanders have access to accurate manpower data for planning and execution,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to capacity development, stating that institutions such as the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration would be strengthened to equip personnel with modern skills in digital administration, leadership, and operational documentation.
The COAS emphasised that Chief Clerks must evolve beyond traditional administrative duties to become operational enablers capable of supporting commanders in complex and fast-changing security environments.
On personnel welfare, Shaibu reiterated the Army’s commitment to improving accommodation, healthcare, and morale under the “Soldier First” philosophy.
“A soldier who is well motivated and properly managed administratively will give his best in service to the nation,” he added.
He commended the GOC 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the Local Organising Committee, and the Department of Personnel Management for successfully hosting the convention.
Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Armed Forces, reaffirming the Army’s loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the GOC 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, whose remarks were delivered by the Commander, 2 Provost Group, Brigadier General Uche Charles Nnabuihe, described the convention as a timely platform for strengthening administrative capacity within the Army’s clerical cadre.
He said Chief Clerks remain the “engine room” of military administration, noting that their efficiency in handling records and correspondence directly impacts command decisions and operational outcomes across formations involved in counter-insurgency and other security operations.
Nnebeife urged participants to maximise the lectures and interactive sessions lined up for the convention, stressing that continuous learning and adaptability remain essential in today’s volatile security environment.
The event was attended by senior military officers, including the Commander 2 Military Intelligence Brigade, Brigadier General Hasaf Hassan, and the Director of Records, Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management, Brigadier General Gabriel Olufemi Olorunyomi, who represented the Chief of Personnel Management, Major General Adewale Adekeye, among others.
