Security Rises to Renewed Hope Agenda's Second Priority: Tinubu Vows Massive Equipment Surge at COAS Conference

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 opened in Lagos with a powerful declaration from the Presidency: national security has been strategically elevated as the second priority of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged aggressive military modernization, substantial welfare enhancements for troops, and renewed focus on non-kinetic solutions to security challenges.

Speaking at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, the President affirmed his strong commitment to equipping the military for decisive action, aligning with the conference theme on diplomatic and military strategies for long-term stabilization.

The President confirmed that Strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity stands as the second of the eight key Presidential Priority Areas, signaling a major focus of his tenure where Priority 1 is reforming the economy).

The concrete steps detailed to enhance operational readiness and troop protection include induction of helicopters into the Nigerian Army Aviation; procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, armoured vehicles, and patrol vehicles; refurbishment and return to active service of over 100 Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV).

 The President commended the COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his vision and urged the Army to uphold its apolitical posture and operate strictly within the Constitution to maintain public trust.

The conference highlighted the Army's commitment to the well-being and professional growth of its personnel, both serving and deceased:

The Army presented Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) cheques to the next of kin of five deceased soldiers, demonstrating support for their families. The COAS's welfare drive has successfully surged enrollment with over 234 applications in the last six weeks.

 The COAS commissioned the Rickshaw Multipurpose Dining Hall at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps in Abati Barracks and presented 15 Hilux vehicles to deserving personnel.

 A book titled "Life of Service" was unveiled in honor of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, before his wife, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun.

The President expressed particular satisfaction with the Army’s extensive Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, recognizing the vital role of non-kinetic solutions:

The Army's Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) manages these projects, which often include: Free medical outreaches to communities; Construction of boreholes and schools; distribution of relief materials.

He urged participants to produce "enduring strategies" that integrate diplomatic and military actions, emphasizing that security is also about "winning hearts and improving the quality of life of our people."

The event drew top political and military figures, including: the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gordon Musa (Rtd); the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (who praised the Army's role in the state's economic stability); Mrs. Safia Hassan Shaibu (President of the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association, NAOWA).