The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has decried the persistent gaps in data management and record-keeping across Nigerian Army formations, warning that they continue to undermine effective administration and operational efficiency.

Oluyede, represented by the Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj.-Gen. Philip Eromosele, spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the third edition of the Data Management and Record-Keeping Seminar organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary in Abuja.

He stressed that accurate data remained vital to accountability, career planning, and strategic decision-making in the digital era.

“Effective record-keeping and data management are indispensable tools for operational efficiency and accountability. Accurate and accessible records enable us to track progress, identify areas requiring improvement, and respond swiftly to emerging challenges. This is why we must adopt the highest standards in data storage and document security at all levels,” he said.

Oluyede noted that the theme of the seminar, “Effective Data Management and Record Keeping: A Key Element in Ensuring a Professional Nigerian Army in a Digital Era,” was a clear reminder that the army must embrace technology-driven processes.

Earlier, the Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Everest Okoro, admitted that the Army still struggles with data handling due to the limited use of technology and negative personnel attitudes.

According to him, recent experiences have exposed gaps in data collection and record-keeping, partly because of the failure to adopt modern technologies and the misconception that data management is the exclusive duty of three statutory departments, Administration, Military Secretary, and Personnel Management.

“Let me be clear: data management and record-keeping in the Nigerian Army is a collective duty. Every corps, formation, and establishment has a role to play,” Okoro declared.

He added that the seminar was designed to instill high standards of professionalism in data handling, while ensuring that records remain accurate, secure, and readily available for decision-making.

Okoro urged participants to take advantage of the training, stressing that the knowledge and best practices shared would be instrumental in preserving vital historical records, optimising administrative processes, and improving overall effectiveness in the Nigerian Army.