0
As part of deliberate efforts to strengthen professional development and enhance operational effectiveness across the force, the Nigerian Army on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, commenced a four-day, bi-annual Career Planning Seminar for soldiers at the Army War College Nigeria, Abuja
Speaking at the opening, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the theme, “Career Planning in the Nigerian Army for Soldiers: Charting a Successful Career Path from Enlistment to Retirement in a Joint Environment,” as timely and essential to building a structured, future-ready force. Represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), Major General Aminu Garba, the COAS noted that effective career planning remains critical to maximising human resource potential in a dynamic security environment.
He stressed that the evolving character of warfare demands a proactive, innovative and resilient Army, capable of addressing complex and multi-dimensional threats. According to him, deliberate career management is central to improving productivity, efficiency and overall operational success within the Nigerian Army.
The COAS further highlighted that a well-defined career path for soldiers is fundamental to the realisation of his Command Philosophy, which seeks to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, capable of decisively discharging its responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
According to Colonel Appolonia Anele the acting Director of Army Public Relations, “He urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, noting that the seminar provides an open and intellectually stimulating platform for knowledge exchange, critical thinking and constructive contributions toward career advancement.”
In his welcome address, the Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Major General Adewale Adekeye, stated that the seminar underscores the Department’s pivotal role in career planning and management. He emphasised that effective career development is driven by accurate data, robust reporting from units and informed analysis, adding that the initiative is designed to deepen soldiers’ understanding of career progression while aligning individual aspirations with institutional objectives.
