NACOLM Hosts Army Headquarters Dati Logistics Needs Assessment Conference

NACOLM Hosts Army Headquarters Dati Logistics Needs Assessment Conference

The Army Headquarters (AHQ) Department of Army Transformation and Innovation (DATI) held a one day Logistics Needs Assessment Conference with the Theme “Logistics Needs Assessment: A Panacea for Nigerian Army (NA) Operational Effectiveness in a Joint Environment”. The event was held at the Tukuru Yusuf Buratai Hall, Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) Ojo, Lagos on 28 May 2024.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja (NAM), ably represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Zakari Abubakar, expressed delight that the conference was taking place at a critical time when the issue of logistics and equipment maintenance has been a significant burden, impacting our operational effectiveness. He stressed that the conference aligns perfectly with his Command Philosophy, which is “To Transform the NA into a Well-Trained, Equipped, and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”. He added that the issues of logistics and equipment maintenance are crucial in achieving this philosophy.

The SGOH further reiterated his confidence that the conference will provide participants with an excellent opportunity to review some of the logistics challenges faced in various theatres of operation and to find workable solutions for improved operational effectiveness. He expressed certainty that the conference will prepare the junior and middle cadre leaders to effectively accomplish their assigned missions. He also noted that, judging by the caliber of the invited seasoned resource persons, he had no doubt that the conference will achieve its desired objectives. He therefore urged participants to engage actively and make the most of this opportunity to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience of the erudite resource persons to broaden their knowledge, command skills and capabilities.

The COAS further assured that the Army Headquarters will continue to provide the much-needed resources and guidance required for the execution of these tasks. He also used the occasion to once again thank the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, for his continuous strategic guidance and invaluable support to the Nigerian Army. Thereafter, the COAS declared the conference open and wished participants fruitful deliberations.

Earlier in his welcoming address, the Chief Host and Commandant NACOLM, Major General Wisdom Etuk, expressed his gratitude to the COAS for initiating and approving the conference at the opportune moment, shortly after the College hosted the AHQ Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) Sensitization Workshop. Major General Etuk highlighted the College’s role as the premier logistics training institution in the NA, emphasizing its continuous efforts in producing well-trained and efficient logistics officers capable of fulfilling their responsibilities to meet the objectives of the NA. He affirmed the College’s commitment to training and hosting conferences that foster innovative ideas and contribute to enduring transformations within the NA and the Armed Forces as a whole.

Major General Etuk underscored the necessity of conducting a needs assessment to ensure a well-trained and equipped force. He emphasized that a logistics needs assessment is crucial for identifying gaps in logistics requirements and suggesting ways to address these gaps. He urged participants to take full advantage of the unique opportunity to discuss and identify the NA’s logistics needs and propose solutions to enhance operational efficiency in a joint environment.

Highlights of the event were the presentations by seasoned resource persons on Evolving Innovative Logistics Support for Enhanced NA Operational Efficiency in a Joint Environment delivered by Dr Alban Igwe and Innovative Logistics Support and Equipment Optimization: A Panacea for NA Operational Effectiveness in a Joint Environment by Major General Johnson Olawunmi (retired), interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph. The epoch event had in attendance senior military officers both serving and retired.