The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has underscored the need for a unified and coherent doctrinal framework to effectively tackle Nigeria’s increasingly complex security challenges.
Musa made the call while declaring open the inaugural Chief of Defence Staff lecture at the newly established Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja.
The lecture, titled “Evolving Armed Forces of Nigeria Doctrine to Meet Security Challenges in a Multi-Domain and Joint Environment,” was delivered by retired Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The minister described Nigeria’s security environment as dynamic and multifaceted, marked by asymmetric threats, transnational criminal networks, terrorism, and emerging multi-domain risks.
He noted that the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre reflects the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the country’s defence architecture through doctrine-driven operations.
He stressed that no security agency can operate in isolation, adding that jointness remains critical to achieving operational success.
“In today’s complex and evolving security landscape, the need for a unified, coherent, and responsive doctrinal framework has become more critical than ever,” Musa said.
He also pointed to the growing role of advanced technologies in modern warfare, including drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence, raising concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for such shifts.
“How do we align these developments with our current operations? How prepared are we for a future where humans may confront machines on the battlefield?” he queried.
Musa emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that while the Army, Navy, and Air Force each play distinct roles, synergy among them—and with other security agencies and citizens—is essential.
“The Army secures the land, the Navy protects our waterways, and the Air Force provides vital air power. However, the force that transforms these individual strengths into a decisive advantage lies in jointness,” he said.
He added that the centre represents Nigeria’s resolve to institutionalise a unified approach to planning and conducting military operations, while fostering continuous learning, critical thinking, and inter-service dialogue.
The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the Armed Forces and his commitment to strengthening national security.
He also praised the Chief of Defence Staff for his leadership in operationalising the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre.
He urged Nigerians to support the military and other security agencies, acknowledging their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, echoed the minister’s position, stressing the need for a coordinated and unified approach to national security.
Oluyede noted that Nigeria faces multiple security threats that require integrated responses, assuring that the defence leadership would continue to strengthen the joint doctrine initiative.
He highlighted border security as a critical area requiring urgent attention and called for improved capacity across all security agencies to enhance joint operations.
While noting that the concept of jointness is not new, he said a more structured approach is required for it to be effective.
He cited operations in the North-East as evidence of the need for integrated military efforts.
The defence chief also emphasised the importance of Operation Safe Corridor, a rehabilitation programme for repentant terrorists, and appealed for support from the National Assembly.
He identified procurement and funding as major challenges, advocating for joint procurement strategies and increased local production of defence equipment.
Oluyede further stressed the need to shift the perception of military doctrine from a purely academic exercise to a practical tool for operational effectiveness.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Maj.-Gen. Effiong Edet, outlined the centre’s mandate to develop and promote joint doctrine for multi-domain operations.
Edet said the centre was established to coordinate and formulate doctrines that enhance interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, enabling them to operate as a unified force.
He noted that evolving threats, including the use of weaponised drones and other advanced technologies, underscore the urgency of doctrine development as a strategic defence priority.
According to him, the centre is focused on transitioning from doctrine discussions to practical implementation and adoption.
He highlighted key achievements, including organisational restructuring, establishment of functional departments, and collaboration with defence institutions, think tanks, and international partners.
Edet also disclosed that the centre recently hosted a four-day regional doctrine workshop involving participants from several West African countries, and is working toward developing a joint defence doctrine roadmap for the Nigerian Air Force.
