By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has called for enhanced training, professionalism and coordination in protocol and liaison duties to strengthen joint and multi-agency operations.
Shaibu gave the charge at the opening of the Fourth Capacity Building Workshop on Protocol and Liaison Duties organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes on Tuesday in Abuja.
He was represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi.
The COAS said effective protocol management had become critical in modern military engagements involving sister services, security agencies and international partners.
He stressed that Nigeria’s expanding military diplomacy and inter-agency engagements required improved competence in protocol administration.
“The chosen theme is apt as it emphasises the pivotal role of protocol and liaison duties in today’s operating environment.
“These skill sets are invaluable in our contemporary world as they constantly shape how we are perceived as an Army,” he said.
Shaibu said continuous capacity development was necessary to ensure seamless coordination in joint and multi-agency environments.
He noted that the Army’s involvement in bilateral and multinational engagements made professional protocol handling indispensable.
“Increased military-to-military bilateral contacts and engagements with friendly allies all over the world call for better understanding of protocol functions,” he said.
The COAS commended the Department of Special Services and Programmes for organising the workshop, describing it as timely and strategic.
He also appreciated invited diplomats and resource persons for contributing to the training effort.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism and synergy with sister services in tackling security challenges across the country.
He said the initiative aligned with his command philosophy aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
Earlier, the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), Maj.-Gen. Aminu Garba, said the workshop was designed to enhance efficiency in protocol and liaison management across the Armed Forces and security agencies.
Garba said the training had become necessary due to the increasing complexity of joint operations and international engagements.
He said the Department remained committed to improving professionalism in ceremonial, diplomatic and inter-agency coordination functions.
He commended the COAS for his support and approval of the programme, adding that the workshop would strengthen service delivery and inter-agency cooperation. (NAN) (www.nanmews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
