As part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), the Ministry of Defence on Monday, January 12, 2026, hosted a high-level National Symposium and Lecture Series at the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja. The event brought together top military leadership, policymakers and security experts to deliberate on Nigeria’s security challenges and future prospects.
The symposium was themed “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development,” and served as a strategic platform for in-depth discussions on the evolving responsibilities of the Armed Forces. Participants examined how military professionalism, innovation and collaboration can contribute to national stability and socio-economic growth.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, attended the symposium alongside the Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), OFR. Their presence underscored the importance attached to the symposium as a key component of the 2026 AFCRD commemorative activities.
Also in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, other Service Chiefs, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), as well as several former Service Chiefs. The gathering reflected a strong sense of unity and shared commitment among past and present military leaders toward safeguarding Nigeria’s future.
The symposium and lecture series stood out as a major highlight of AFCRD 2026, reinforcing the Armed Forces’ critical role not only in national defence but also in supporting development and democratic stability. Discussions from the event are expected to inform future policies and strategies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.