The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has emphasized the Nigerian Army's commitment to enhancing operational readiness and personnel welfare. Speaking at the operationalisation of refurbished operational vehicles and the renovated Soldiers' Club, named "Nightingale Club", at the Nigerian Army Women Command in Abuja, Shaibu highlighted the importance of serviceable vehicles for timely movement of personnel, equipment, and logistics.
The refurbished vehicles, including four coaster buses previously in deplorable condition, aim to enhance the Command's mobility and capacity to respond to operational assignments. According to Shaibu, represented by Col. Appolonia Anele, the refurbishment will significantly improve the Command's ability to respond promptly and effectively to operational requirements. He stressed that mobility remains a critical component of military effectiveness, particularly in supporting troops during operations.
Shaibu also emphasized the importance of personnel welfare, stating that a military organisation is sustained not only by equipment but also by the morale and cohesion of its personnel. He urged personnel entrusted with the vehicles to treat them as valuable government assets, ensuring proper maintenance, responsible handling, and strict adherence to extant regulations. The COAS commended the leadership and personnel of NAWC for the initiative, demonstrating what can be achieved through effective leadership and collective commitment.
The renovated Soldiers' Club, previously in a deplorable condition with inadequate lighting and poor sanitary facilities, has been transformed into a conducive environment for relaxation, social interaction, and receiving guests. The facility is expected to provide an avenue for relaxation, recreation, social interaction, and strengthening of esprit de corps among personnel and their families. Shaibu urged the Command to sustain the culture of maintenance, accountability, discipline, and prudent management of resources.
Commander of NAWC, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Adamu, stated that the refurbishment aligns with the COAS's Command Philosophy of ensuring operational readiness. Adamu noted that the Command had a responsibility to ensure its personnel could be mobilised and deployed at short notice to support military operations. He recalled the deployment of a company from the Command to Plateau State on April 14, 2026, following security challenges in the state.
Adamu highlighted that the Command's ability to promptly mobilise and deploy troops was due to its operational mobility and other enablers. He stressed the importance of maintaining operational vehicles in serviceable condition at all times. The renovation of the Soldiers' Club is part of the Command's commitment to the Soldiers First Concept, which prioritises the welfare of soldiers.
Adamu urged commanders at all levels to prioritise the welfare of soldiers, noting that motivated personnel are better positioned to deliver effectively on assigned responsibilities. The projects demonstrate the Nigerian Army's commitment to enhancing operational readiness and personnel welfare.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army has operationalized refurbished vehicles and a renovated Soldiers' Club at the Nigerian Army Women Command in Abuja.
- The refurbished vehicles aim to enhance the Command's mobility and capacity to respond to operational assignments.
- The renovated Soldiers' Club prioritises the welfare of soldiers, providing a conducive environment for relaxation, social interaction, and receiving guests.
