Chief Of Army Staff Declares Second RSM Convention 2026 Open, Tasks RSMs To Prioritise Soldiers’ Welfare and Uphold Discipline

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the critical responsibility of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in promoting discipline, safeguarding soldiers’ welfare and sustaining professionalism in the Nigerian Army (NA). He made this known while declaring open the Second RSM Convention 2026, themed “Building a Professional, Resilient and Combat-Ready Nigerian Army: The Role of RSMs as Catalysts for Transformation and Effective Leadership”, held in Benin City, Edo State, on 3 November 2026.

The COAS, who was represented by the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj Gen Olusegun Abai emphasised that RSMs occupy a strategic position in the Army’s regimental system, particularly in identifying the legitimate concerns of soldiers and ensuring that such issues are appropriately communicated to commanders through established channels. He stressed that RSMs must preserve the cherished customs and traditions of military service while influencing the conduct, attitude and professional disposition of soldiers through personal example, sound judgement and effective mentorship.

He further charged RSMs to understand the individual strengths and weaknesses of their personnel, identify early indicators of declining morale and indiscipline, and provide commanders with timely and objective advice. He noted that effective RSMs must be approachable yet authoritative, firm but fair, and compassionate without compromising established military standards. He also underscored the need for them to remain accessible, proactive and responsive to the welfare concerns of their subordinates.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Administration (Army) ( COA) Maj Gen Isa Abdullahi, represented by the Director, Personnel Services, Brig Gen Mohammed Jibrin Gambo, described RSMs as indispensable pillars of the Army’s regimental system. He observed that their appointments place them in a unique position as custodians of military standards, mentors to soldiers, advisers to commanders and role models to junior personnel.

He noted that their close daily interaction with soldiers provides an invaluable opportunity to identify challenges affecting morale, discipline and welfare, as well as facilitate appropriate interventions. He emphasised that combat readiness extends beyond the availability of weapons, equipment and effective training, as it also depends on personnel who are disciplined, motivated, mentally resilient and professionally committed to their duties.

The COA, therefore, urged RSMs to strengthen mentorship and maintain close engagement with their subordinates, particularly young soldiers who require guidance, correction and encouragement. He stressed that the responsibilities of RSMs must be reflected in their personal conduct and commitment to the values and standards of the military profession. He further charged them to balance accessibility with authority while ensuring that discipline and regimentation remain firmly upheld across all formations and units.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, NA, Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda, during his welcome address described the convention as an important platform for reviewing the contributions of RSMs to the operational effectiveness and institutional development of the NA. He noted that RSMs remain critical to the sustenance of discipline, regimentation and professionalism, while serving as custodians of the Army’s cherished customs and traditions. He further highlighted their strategic position as the vital link between commanders and soldiers, particularly in promoting discipline, enhancing communication and strengthening effective leadership at the unit level.