The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has outlined a new strategic direction for Nigeria’s military, stressing that enhanced border security and the development of indigenous technology will play a central role in strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.
He said that, “These priorities mark a shift toward a more self-reliant and forward-looking military posture aimed at addressing evolving security challenges.”
While giving his directives and summing up at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC), the CDS highlighted the military’s deliberate push towards self-reliance and regional collaboration to eliminate multifaceted security threats.
The CDS revealed that the military is prioritising strengthening local defence production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other local manufacturers.
He also acknowledged the important role of border security to our internal security and the need to maintain positive relations and cooperation with our neighbouring countries.
In response to various positions pushed by various stakeholders at the inaugural lecture, the CDS reiterated the importance of synergy and joint military operations pointing out that single-service efforts will not always bring out the desired operational outcomes.
He buttressed this with some instances that portrayed the importance of jointness and the imperative for the services to work together, leaning on the peculiar competencies of each service.
General Oluyede also revealed that the outcome of the lecture would be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to secure broader stakeholder buy-in and support for the implementation of recommendations arising from the inaugural lecture.
The Minister of Defence (HMoD), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), who was the Special Guest of Honour, echoed the need for synergy.
He described the core of the nation’s security strategy as a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.
The Minister emphasised that the JDWC, established in July 2025, serves as the intellectual engine room where different military branches learn to leverage one another’s strengths.
He also noted that true operational superiority is achieved only when ground, naval, and air forces act as a single, overwhelming entity supported by the vigilance of the Nigerian citizenry.
Earlier in the ceremony, the Director General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Maj. Gen. AE Edet, detailed the significant strides made since the Centre’s inception six months ago.
Supported by the CDS, the Center has moved swiftly since its establishment, with roadmaps and plans to ensure full operationalisation.
The Director General pledged that the JDWC would remain steadfast in its commitment to advancing technology and innovation to ensure collective national security and prosperity.
The inaugural lecture marks a milestone in institutionalising joint military thinking, enhancing national defence coordination, and promoting a comprehensive collaborative framework for tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
In apparent appreciation of the importance of Joint Doctrine to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the event was attended by a very rich mix of Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff led by Gen Alani Akinrinade, former Service Chiefs, very senior military officers, members of the diplomatic community, heads of Nigerian security agencies, among many other stakeholders.