Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigerian Army is set to digitise service records, automate the payment of salaries and allowances, and deploy an integrated human resource management platform across its formations as part of efforts to modernise its administrative operations.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this at the opening of the Second Bi-Annual Nigerian Army Chief Clerks’ Convention 2026, held at the Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army, Jos, Plateau State.
Shaibu, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, said the reforms were designed to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in the management of personnel and administrative processes.
He explained that the introduction of digital systems would enable commanders to access accurate and up-to-date personnel information, thereby improving planning, coordination and decision-making across the Army’s formations.
The convention, which has the theme, “Enhancing Clerical Effectiveness in Support of the Decision-Making Process in a Joint System Environment,” is a five-day event bringing together Chief Clerks from various formations to deliberate on ways of strengthening administrative efficiency and supporting military operations.
The Army Chief noted that the changing nature of contemporary security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, cyberattacks, disinformation and transnational organised crime, required stronger coordination among the armed forces and other security agencies.
He stressed that effective military operations depended not only on firepower and tactical manoeuvres but also on accurate record-keeping, timely information dissemination and proper personnel accountability.
According to him, administrative effectiveness remains critical to operational success, particularly in an increasingly complex security environment where commanders require reliable information to make timely and informed decisions.
Shaibu also outlined five strategic pillars underpinning his administration’s transformation agenda, including strengthening professionalism and discipline, improving administrative efficiency, enhancing training and operational readiness, deepening technological integration and advancing personnel welfare.
As part of efforts to improve the capacity of the clerical cadre, he disclosed plans to introduce specialised training programmes in leadership, information management, digital administration and operational documentation.
He said the training would be conducted through the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration and other relevant institutions to equip personnel with the skills required to manage modern administrative systems.
On personnel welfare, the Army Chief reaffirmed his commitment to improving accommodation, healthcare delivery and other welfare initiatives, while ensuring fairness and transparency in postings, promotions and the payment of entitlements.
He urged Chief Clerks to recognise that their responsibilities extended beyond routine office administration, describing them as critical operational enablers whose efficiency directly affects troop welfare, command decisions and mission execution.
The Army Chief charged participants to use the convention as an opportunity to exchange ideas, identify practical solutions to administrative challenges and develop recommendations that would strengthen the Army’s effectiveness within joint and multi-agency operational environments.
He also commended the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, the Department of Personnel Management and the Local Organising Committee for organising the convention.
Shaibu expressed confidence that the deliberations and recommendations from the five-day gathering would contribute to building a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
