The National Defence College (NDC) has presented a strategic research paper to the Nigerian Army, outlining recommendations to strengthen the leadership capacity of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) as a critical pathway to enhancing operational effectiveness and mission success by 2035.

The research paper, titled “Strengthening Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership for Operational Efficiency: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by 2035,” was presented by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquartres, Abuja.

The study provides strategic policy options designed to reinforce leadership, professionalism and institutional resilience within the Nigerian Army through a more capable, empowered and future-ready NCO corps.

The Commandant explained that the research was undertaken by Nigerian Army participants of National Defence College Course 34 as part of the academic requirements of the programme.

Ahmed said that the study critically examined existing gaps in NCO leadership development and proposed strategic reforms aimed at strengthening training, mentorship, career progression and welfare frameworks to prepare future leaders for increasingly complex operational environments.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the study’s recommendations would further enhance the leadership effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s NCO corps, deepen professionalism and reinforce the Service’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect the nation’s territorial integrity in an increasingly dynamic security landscape.

Receiving the research paper, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, described the research as a valuable intellectual contribution to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation efforts, noting that effective leadership at the Non-Commissioned Officer level remains indispensable to building a highly professional, disciplined and combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

He commended the Commandant and participants of National Defence College Course 34 for producing a timely, forward-looking and operationally relevant study.

Shaibu reaffirmed that NCOs constitute the backbone of the Nigerian Army, serving as the vital link between commanders and soldiers while translating operational intent into decisive action on the battlefield. He observed that strengthening their leadership capacity is fundamental to improving tactical effectiveness, operational readiness and overall mission accomplishment.

He said that the recommendations contained in the research would be carefully examined by the appropriate Army Headquarters departments for possible integration into existing policies and leadership development programmes.

The Chief of Army Staff emphasised that investing in the professional development, welfare and career progression of soldiers remains central to his command philosophy.

He noted that the study also complements his “Soldier First” culture, which prioritises the welfare, professional growth and empowerment of personnel as the foundation for enhanced operational capability, institutional excellence and national security.