Defence chief: I’ll promote creativity in military, deepen synergy among armed forces

Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, says he will promote creativity within the nation’s armed forces. 

Speaking on Monday, when he appeared before a house of representatives committee for the screening of the service chiefs recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu, Musa said he will promote joint operations among the armed forces.

Musa said he will maintain a clearly defined military objective which is crucial to the realisation of the constitutional duties of the service.

“I shall, therefore, deepen jointness and prioritise decision-making through a shared process of active contribution and consultation across a wide spectrum of our security architecture,” he said.

“This is geared towards ensuring that the armed forces are capable of promptly identifying and addressing emerging operational challenges with appropriate methods and capabilities in a timely and efficient manner.

“In this regard, I shall promote trust, initiative, judgment and creativity among the various services and maintain a channel for proactive engagement in all our interactions.

“With regard to other security forces, I shall build bridges by revitalising communication channels while deepening synergy in the planning and execution of operations within a well-coordinated, joint and multi-agency environment.”

Musa said the security challenges the military is currently confronting “call for a more concise approach toward mitigating the issues”.

The defence chief said he is committed to ensuring a conducive and secure environment for the protection of lives and properties for socio-economic activities to thrive.

He said his leadership concept will be built on three pillars — being people-centricity, prioritising troops’ welfare while deepening jointness and inter-agency collaboration.

Musa said the military under him will be people-centric by prioritising and safeguarding citizens and their legitimate way of life as prescribed in the constitution.

He said the armed forces will “apply the lens of people-centricity to key components of activities to truly put the Nigerian people at the centre of its actions geared towards promoting and safeguarding a secure environment for all”.

He also promised to prioritise staff welfare and to provide the “required atmosphere” for officers to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities.

“The goal will be to promote targeted and specific capacity building, sound administration and efficient resource management amongst others to enhance both individual and collective welfare of personnel,” he added.