By Fatima Saka
Lagos, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said that professionalism in the Nigerian Army requires continuous learning, discipline, innovation and institutional excellence.
Shaibu made the assertion on Monday at the 15th Biennial Training Conference of the Nigerian Army Financial Corps, with the theme, “Leveraging Digital Financial Technology and Professionalism for Enhanced Troops Morale Needed for Mission Success.”
The conference, which runs from Aug. 9 to Aug. 14, is being held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration Auditorium, Nigerian Army Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos.
The COAS, represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Major General Taofik Temitope Sidick the Corps Commander Ordnance, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Garba Ibrahim, said the contemporary operating environment was becoming increasingly dynamic, complex and technology-driven.
He urged participants to approach the conference with an open mind and commitment to applying the knowledge acquired to improve the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu noted that modern warfare was no longer determined solely by weapons and the courage of troops on the battlefield, stressing that efficient administrative and financial support systems were equally critical to sustaining military operations.
According to him, timely budgeting, transparent resource allocation, prompt payment of personnel entitlements, efficient procurement and prudent financial management directly affect operational readiness, troop morale and mission success.
He warned that waste, inefficiency, weak internal controls and financial leakages were unacceptable, particularly as the Army continues to conduct simultaneous operations across multiple theatres while confronting evolving asymmetric threats.
“Under these circumstances, every Naira appropriated for defence procurements must produce measurable operational value. Waste, inefficiency, weak internal controls and financial leakages are luxuries the Nigerian Army cannot afford,” he said.
The COAS charged financial officers to embrace innovation, fiscal discipline, accountability and resource-oriented service delivery, while ensuring that every financial decision contributes to operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.
He said the conference was particularly relevant against the backdrop of ongoing Federal Government reforms aimed at improving fiscal sustainability, transparency, revenue generation and accountability in public financial management.
Shaibu cited comprehensive tax reforms, digital payment platforms and strengthened compliance with the Treasury Single Account as measures redefining public sector financial administration.
He said the Army would continue to align its financial processes with the reforms without compromising the unique operational requirements of military deployments.
The COAS further urged financial officers to update their knowledge, embrace emerging technologies and strengthen their expertise in financial analytics, enterprise financial systems, digital auditing, cybersecurity, risk management and data-driven decision-making.
He said the Army had invested significantly in the digital transformation of its financial architecture to improve automation, accountability, auditing, transparency and timely financial analysis.
Shaibu, however, cautioned that digital transformation was a continuous process, noting that emerging threats such as cybercrime, identity theft, financial fraud and manipulation of digital information required constant vigilance.
“As custodians of sensitive financial information, you must maintain the highest standard of information security, data integrity and professional ethics,” he said.
He charged the conference to produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening financial governance and enhancing operational support across formations and units of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu commended the Chief of Accounts and Budgets in the Army, as well as the leadership of the Army’s financial and planning committee, for sustaining the professional engagement.
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He also acknowledged the contributions of retired commanders, senior officers and veterans, saying their sacrifices, mentorship and legacy continued to shape the professional standards of the Finance Corps.
The COAS said the Nigerian Army Finance Corps must remain at the forefront of reforms and continue to serve as a strategic partner in strengthening military capability through sound financial stewardship.
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