NDC Presents Blueprint to Army Chief on Strengthening NCO Leadership

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The National Defence College has presented a strategic blueprint to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, proposing reforms to strengthen the leadership capacity of Non-Commissioned Officers in the Nigerian Army and improve operational effectiveness by 2035.

The research paper, titled “Strengthening Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership for Operational Efficiency: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by 2035,” was presented to the Army Chief on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the study was conducted by Nigerian Army participants of National Defence College Course 34 and identified strategic options for improving the training, mentorship, career progression and welfare of NCOs.

Receiving the report, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the study as timely and relevant to the Army’s ongoing transformation, stressing that effective leadership among NCOs is critical to maintaining a professional, disciplined and combat-ready force.

The Army Chief described NCOs as the backbone of the Nigerian Army and a vital link between commanders and soldiers, responsible for translating commanders’ operational intent into action on the battlefield.

He said strengthening their leadership capacity would improve tactical effectiveness, operational readiness and mission accomplishment, adding that relevant departments at Army Headquarters would examine the recommendations for possible incorporation into existing policies and leadership development programmes.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare, professional development and career progression under his “Soldier First” approach, saying investment in soldiers remains central to building a more adaptable, resilient and combat-ready Army.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Ahmed said the research examined gaps in the development of NCO leadership and proposed reforms to better prepare personnel for increasingly complex security and operational environments.

He expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would deepen professionalism within the NCO corps and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.