By Amos Aar
THE CHIEF of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to excellence in project delivery and personnel welfare, highlighting the strategic importance of technology and innovation in achieving sustainable development across its formations.
The COAS, represented by Major General Philip Eremosele, Deputy Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made these remarks during the opening ceremony of a four-day project management workshop held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) in Makurdi.
The workshop, designed to enhance the project management skills of Army officers, focuses on improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability.
Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized the critical role of technology in project planning and execution, noting its potential to enhance outcomes and personnel welfare.
Titled “Enhancing Sustainable Project Delivery through Effective Tendering, Teamwork, Monitoring, and Control,” the workshop aligns with the COAS’s command philosophy, which prioritizes a well-motivated, combat-ready force. This philosophy, rooted in the “Soldier-First” principle, emphasizes exemplary leadership, accountability, unity of purpose, and sound administration, said the COAS.
Given that most Nigerian Army projects are executed through direct labour, the COAS stressed the need for officers to develop expertise in tendering, monitoring, and teamwork to adapt to dynamic operational environments.
He urged participants to maximize the training opportunity to contribute effectively to future projects.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructural development, including accommodations, offices, training facilities, and medical centres, as a key priority under his leadership.
He stated that sustained investment in project management would enhance operational effectiveness, particularly in ongoing counterterrorism and security operations nationwide.
Major General Oluyede commended the Nigerian Army Engineers for their contributions to successful projects, noting that improved living and working conditions for troops have bolstered operational successes.
He also recognized the efforts of the Nigerian Army Special Projects team and the Commandant of NASME in organizing the workshop.
The COAS reiterated the Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and its dedication to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff.
He also expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government for its cooperation with the military and thanked attendees, resource persons, and participants for their contributions.
Speaking at the event, Major General T.T. Numbere, Corps Commander of Engineers, emphasized the workshop’s role in fostering collaboration between the Nigerian Army Engineers and the Army Special Projects team. He described the initiative as crucial for enhancing competence, innovation, and professional ethics within the Corps.
Major General B.S. Adetoro, Coordinator of Nigerian Army Special Projects, stated that the workshop’s resource persons were carefully selected to address critical capacity gaps.
Participants will engage in modules on tendering, contracting, quality assurance, project monitoring, and personnel management, supplemented by live demonstrations for practical reinforcement.
The 2025 Project Management Workshop aims to refine the technical and managerial skills of Army engineers and project officers, ensuring improved delivery and accountability in military infrastructural development. The event will conclude on May 30, 2025.
