By Joy Odor
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has emphasized the need for a transformative approach to training within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He made this call at the opening of the 2025 Defence Training Conference, themed “Performance-Oriented Training and Trends in the Contemporary Operating Environment,” held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja on Thursday.
Minister Badaru stressed that the security landscape has changed, with threats becoming asymmetric, borderless, and increasingly sophisticated.
He emphasized the need for training programs to evolve to reflect these realities.
The Minister outlined several key focus areas for the Ministry of Defence, including:-
– *Modernizing training facilities* to enhance operational effectiveness
– *Integrating cyber and space capabilities* to stay ahead of emerging threats.
– *Conducting joint inter-agency and international military exercises* to foster collaboration and coordination.
– *Enhancing collaboration with global military institutions* to leverage best practices and expertise.
Minister Badaru reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in the human element of national defence.
He emphasized the importance of:
– *Improved welfare* for military personnel,
– *Leadership development* to enhance decision-making and strategic thinking, and
– *Psychological resilience* to build mental toughness and coping skills
The Minister encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and generate actionable outcomes that enhance operational effectiveness.
He commended the Defence Headquarters for organizing the event and praised the Armed Forces for their commitment to professionalism and national service.
The 2025 Defence Training Conference represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to cultivate a more adaptable, technologically advanced, and strategically aligned military force.
