The Nigerian Army’s drive to build a more professional and combat-ready force has received fresh strategic backing after the National Defence College presented a policy blueprint designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), identifying the corps as central to improving operational effectiveness and mission success by 2035.
A statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed that the strategic research paper, titled “Strengthening Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership for Operational Efficiency: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by 2035,” was presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed.
The study outlines policy recommendations aimed at strengthening leadership, professionalism and institutional resilience through a more capable and future-ready NCO corps.
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Receiving the report, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the research as a timely intellectual contribution to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation, noting that effective leadership at the Non-Commissioned Officer level remains indispensable to building a disciplined, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The COAS reaffirmed that NCOs remain the backbone of the Nigerian Army, serving as the critical link between commanders and soldiers while translating operational intent into battlefield action.
He stated that the recommendations would be examined by relevant Army Headquarters departments for possible integration into leadership development programmes and institutional policies.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that strengthening NCO leadership aligns with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, while reinforcing the “Soldier First” culture that prioritises personnel welfare, career development and operational excellence.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed explained that the research was produced by Nigerian Army participants of National Defence College Course 34 and examined existing gaps in NCO leadership development, proposing reforms in training, mentorship, career progression and welfare to prepare future military leaders for increasingly complex operational environments.
He expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would further enhance leadership effectiveness within the Nigerian Army, deepen professionalism and strengthen the Service’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
