Abuja: The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasised the importance of a unified and coherent doctrinal framework in addressing the country’s complex security challenges. Musa made the call on Tuesday, while declaring open the Chief of Defence Staff inaugural lecture for the newly established Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 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. The minister noted that the nation’s security environment was complex and evolving, with asymmetric threats, transnational criminal networks, and terrorism. Musa said the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre reflected the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening national defence architecture through doctrine-driven operations. He noted that no security service could operate in isolation, and that jointness was key to achieving operational success.
Musa elaborated on the challenges posed by modern warfare, where technological advancements such as robots, machines, and drones are increasingly taking centre stage. He questioned the preparedness of the nation’s forces to combat such advancements, highlighting the importance of a unified approach. “In today’s complex and evolving security environment, characterised by asymmetric threats, transnational criminal networks, terrorism and emerging multi-domain challenges, the need for a unified, coherent and responsive doctrinal framework has become more critical than ever,” Musa stated.
He emphasised the necessity for collaboration among the various branches of the military and other security agencies, underscoring that the Army, Navy, and Air Force each play crucial roles. “It is important that we must work together as a nation,” he said, adding that synergy in operations is essential for transforming individual strengths into a formidable force.
The minister further stressed the significance of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in fostering continuous learning, critical thinking, and inter-service dialogue. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Chief of Defense Staff for his leadership in operationalising the centre.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, supported the minister’s call for a joint doctrine, noting the country’s need for a unified approach to security challenges. He highlighted border security and joint procurement as key areas requiring attention, while also advocating for the enhancement of competencies across all security agencies.
Maj.-Gen Effiong Edet, Director-General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, detailed the centre’s mission to develop and promote joint doctrine for multi-domain operations. He highlighted the centre’s collaborative efforts with think tanks, regional partners, and international organizations.
Edet noted that the centre’s founding mission was to enable the Army, Navy, and Air Force to plan, train, and fight as a unified force. He emphasised that doctrine development is a strategic defense imperative and not an academic exercise. The centre aims to move from doctrine discussion to practical implementation, aligning with evolving threats and security needs.