The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army is gearing up to tackle 21st century security threats head-on, with technology at the forefront of its strategy.

Shaibu said this on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open the Directorate of Inspections and Compliance Project Inspections Workshop 2026.

The army chief, represented by the Chief of Logistic Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka, said the workshop themed: ‘‘Leveraging Technology: Panacea for Enhanced Inspection and Compliance,” was both timely and apt.

The army chief threw his weight behind a tech-driven approach to inspection and compliance, signalling a major shift towards modernisation.

Shaibu noted that the workshop theme represented the Army’s battle plan for the future.

He said that by harnessing digital inspection platforms, real-time reporting, and data analytics, the Nigerian Army aimed to boost transparency, accountability, and operational readiness.

According to him, technology-enabled inspections are instruments for performance enhancement, standardisation, and institutional learning.

He said that this move was set to reinforce public confidence in the Nigerian Army as a disciplined and accountable institution.

“Inspections remain a vital command instrument for translating policies, plans, and projects into tangible operational and administrative outcomes.

“Beyond its traditional oversight function, inspections serve as objective feedback mechanisms that enable commanders to identify systemic gaps, optimize resource utilization, enforce discipline and sustain operational readiness, in today’s complex and dynamic operating environment.

“However, manual and fragmented inspection processes have become increasingly inadequate, necessitating the adoption of integrated, technology-driven solutions.”

According to him, leveraging technology to enhance inspection and compliance processes aligns squarely with his command philosophy aims to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

He stressed the need to interrogate how digital inspection platforms, real-time reporting systems, data analytics, and standardised compliance dashboards could be harnessed for improving transparency, accuracy, responsiveness, and decision-making across the Service.

According to him, as the security landscape evolves; the Nigerian Army is adapting, innovating, and preparing to take on modern challenges with modern solutions.

Shaibu reaffirms his commitment to entrenching a culture of transparency, accountability and excellence across all our operational and administrative concerns.

“As we embrace technology in this critical domain, we position the Nigerian Army as a forward-thinking institution capable of addressing contemporary challenges with modern solutions.

“Additionally, we demonstrate to our personnel that we are committed to employing every available tool to enhance their welfare, safety, and operational success.”

He reassured Nigerians that the Army remained a responsible steward of national resources, firmly anchored on transparency and accountability.

The COAS said that the journey towards the full digital transformation will undoubtedly present challenges, including learning curves, resource demands, and the need for sustained institutional commitment.

“However, I am confident that with the professionalism, discipline, and dedication that define the Nigerian army, we will surmount these challenges and emerge stronger.”

He expressed confidence that the workshop would yield tangible outcomes that will significantly enhance the Army’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate of defending the territorial integrity of the nation

He added that it would also help in protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

In his address of welcome, the Director, Directorate of Inspections and Compliance Project Inspections, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, emphasised the importance of adopting modern technology-enabled inspection systems to drive the transformation.

According to him, the Nigerian Army is undergoing a significant transformation in its inspection and compliance processes, with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance operational readiness and institutional credibility.

He said the workshop marks a deliberate shift towards integrated, data-driven systems, adding that effective project inspection is critical to the Army’s transformation, influencing operational readiness, resource optimization, and fiscal discipline.

“The workshop aims to equip participants with practical competencies in digital data capture, inspection reporting platforms, and compliance tracking dashboards.

“Participants will engage in expert presentations, interactive sessions, and case studies to bridge the gap between policy intent and project execution”.

Mahmuda urged participants to engage critically with content, contribute from their experiences, and identify realistic pathways for institutionalizing tools within their respective formations.

The workshop expects to deliver clear outcomes, including enhanced knowledge of contemporary inspection methodologies and technology solutions.

Mahmuda thanked the COAS for his strategic leadership and support. (NAN)

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