The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s Security and Defense architecture through people-centric leadership approach. The CDS stated this on 4 March 2025, while delivering a lecture titled ” Nigeria’s Security and Defense: My Leadership Concept for the Armed Forces of Nigeria ” to Students of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 99/2025 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji Military Cantonment.

Speaking during the lecture, General Musa stated that, the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is critical in achieving Nigeria’s Security and Defence goals by providing clear direction. Furthermore, it provides guidance and the requisite approach to steer the affairs of our Armed Forces. “Hence my leadership concept for the armed forces is crucial to the realization of our Grand National Strategy as well as security and defence of the country”, he said.

Asserting that his leadership concept for the Armed Forces is ” to nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment” Gen Musa pointed out that while the tenets of his leadership concept are anchored on three pillars, which are People-Centric, Prioritizing Troops Welfare, Deepening Jointness and Interagency Collaboration as well as Multinational Cooperation. It is also premised on the fact that the leadership of our Armed Forces should transmit integrity, strength of character, boldness and determination to the officers and men.

Therefore, he charged the officers to refocus on the values mentioned at every level to ensure that their officers and men attain the professionalism desired of a modern Armed Forces. He further stated that, this calls for a reorientation, proper administration and improved welfare of troops, amongst others.

Consequently, constant and purposeful training, targeted at achieving these objectives, remains vital. “It is therefore, envisaged that my leadership concept and vision for the Armed Forces will provide the necessary guidance for the entire military hierarchy to steer our Armed Forces forward” he said. As such, he urged the student officers not only to defend the country, but also contribute to its peace, stability and prosperity. Highlights of the session included, interactive session, presentation of souvenir and group photograph.