By Our Defence Correspondent
The Nigerian Army is moving to redraw the operational and business culture of its hospitality enterprises, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, yesterday issued a clear directive for the adoption of world-class management standards across all Army-owned hospitality outfits nationwide.
Gen. Shaibu made the declaration at the opening of the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) Annual Army Officers’ Mess and Suites Stakeholders Conference 2025, held in Abuja, warning that substandard service delivery undermines sustainability, credibility and institutional reputation.
Addressing senior officers, hospitality professionals and industry stakeholders, the Army chief said excellence in service delivery is no longer optional, stressing that Army hospitality businesses must compete favourably with global brands while maintaining their unique institutional character.
According to him, professionalism, efficiency and customer-centred management are critical to sustaining Army hospitality assets and reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s image beyond the battlefield.
“World-class standards are essential to sustainability and institutional credibility,” the COAS declared.
The conference, themed “Conforming to World-Class Management Standards for Sustainable Nigerian Army Hospitality Businesses,” brought together stakeholders from across the military and civilian hospitality sectors to map out strategies for improving quality, efficiency and competitiveness.
Participants examined emerging trends in hospitality management, operational efficiency and customer experience, with a focus on repositioning Army Officers’ Mess and Suites as viable, modern and professionally run establishments.
The COAS commended the Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) for rolling out reforms that have aligned Nigerian Army hospitality assets with global best practices.
He noted that the introduction of subsidised services at Army Officers’ Mess and Suites has improved service delivery, stimulated innovation and promoted inclusiveness in customer engagement.
Shaibu said these reforms have strengthened customer confidence while ensuring that Army hospitality businesses remain accessible without sacrificing quality.
Represented by the Chief of Logistics (Army), Major-General Adekunle Adeyinka, the COAS urged conference participants to align their strategies with his broader command philosophy.
He said the transformation of Army hospitality businesses must mirror the Nigerian Army’s ongoing evolution into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
He challenged the DSSP leadership to continue identifying new opportunities within the hospitality industry to enhance service standards, operational effectiveness and long-term viability of Army Officers’ Mess and Suites across the country.
The Army chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for what he described as consistent strategic guidance and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and soldiers to the President, the Constitution and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stressing that institutional discipline and professionalism remain non-negotiable.
Earlier, the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (CSSP), Major-General Aminu Garba, said the department has sustained efforts to reposition Command Guest Houses nationwide for improved service delivery, operational viability and customer satisfaction.
Garba attributed recent improvements in quality management practices and customer retention to sustained backing from the Army leadership.
The conference attracted Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, senior military officers, heads of Army establishments, managers of Command Guest Houses nationwide and top executives from the hospitality industry.
As deliberations continue, the message from Army Headquarters was unmistakable: Army hospitality businesses must meet global standards or risk irrelevance, a shift signalling that efficiency, professionalism and accountability now extend well beyond the barracks and the battlefield.
