Nigerian Army Moves To Digitise Administrative Systems, Strengthen Operational Efficiency

The Nigerian Army is stepping up efforts to modernise its administrative operations through the digitisation of service records, automation of salaries and allowances, and deployment of an integrated human resource management platform across its formations.

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.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, the Army Chief said the reforms were aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability, while ensuring that commanders have access to accurate personnel information for effective planning and decision-making.

With the theme, “Enhancing Clerical Effectiveness in Support of the Decision-Making Process in a Joint System Environment,” the five-day convention brings together Chief Clerks from various formations to examine ways of strengthening administrative support in response to evolving security challenges.

Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that contemporary military operations, characterised by terrorism, insurgency, cyberattacks, disinformation and transnational organised crime, require effective coordination among the armed forces and other security agencies.

He stressed that accurate record-keeping, timely information flow and personnel accountability were as important to operational success as firepower and military manoeuvres.

The Army Chief further outlined five strategic pillars guiding his administration’s transformation agenda, including strengthening professionalism and discipline, enhancing administrative efficiency, improving training and operational readiness, deepening technological integration and advancing personnel welfare.

He also announced plans to strengthen the capacity of the clerical cadre through specialised training in leadership, information management, digital administration and operational documentation at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration and other relevant institutions.

On personnel welfare, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to improving accommodation, healthcare and other welfare initiatives, as well as ensuring fairness and transparency in postings, promotions and entitlements.

He urged participants to recognise their responsibilities beyond routine office administration, describing Chief Clerks as critical operational enablers whose efficiency directly influences troop welfare, command decisions and mission execution.

The Army Chief charged them to use the convention to exchange ideas, identify practical solutions to administrative challenges and develop recommendations that would strengthen the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness within joint and multi-agency operational environments.

He commended the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, the Department of Personnel Management and the Local Organising Committee for their efforts in organising the convention, while expressing confidence that its outcome would contribute to building a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready Nigerian Army.