Data Management, Record Keeping Critical To Effective Operations–COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has highlighted effective data management and record keeping as a strategic capability essential to informed decision-making, operational effectiveness, accountability and the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army.

He stated this on Tuesday, while declaring open the Fourth Edition of the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary Data Management and Record-Keeping Seminar at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Abuja with the theme: “Efficient Data Management and Record-Keeping: Imperative for Advancing the Transformation of the Nigerian Army.” 

The COAS represented by the dean, Faculty of Combat Arms Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola, noted that while considerable attention is devoted to force structure, equipment acquisition and training, the effectiveness of these efforts ultimately depends on the availability of accurate, secure and timely information.

In a statement by the Army Spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele, he stressed that decisions on recruitment, commissioning, postings, promotions, career progression, welfare, logistics, force generation and operational planning are fundamentally dependent on the quality, integrity and accessibility of relevant data.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further observed that the contemporary security environment, characterised by rapid technological advancement and increasing reliance on digital systems, requires the Nigerian Army to move beyond traditional approaches to record keeping.

He, therefore , called for integrated, secure and technology-enabled systems that promote efficiency, interoperability and institutional resilience, while urging personnel to strengthen capacity in data governance, cybersecurity, records preservation and information assurance.

The COAS further emphasised that data management and record keeping are collective institutional responsibilities requiring discipline, professionalism and accountability at every level of command. He charged participants to take full advantage of the seminar to deepen their knowledge, exchange ideas and translate lessons learnt into measurable improvements across their respective formations, units and establishments.

He also commended the Department of Military Secretary for organising the seminar, describing the initiative as timely and relevant to strengthening the Army’s institutional processes.

Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained commitment to the transformation and modernisation of the Nigerian Army.

He noted that the President’s strategic leadership and support have continued to enhance operational capabilities, equipment modernisation, personnel welfare and institutional reforms across the Service.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Military Secretary (Army), Brigadier General Mathew Oyekola, described efficient data management and record keeping as indispensable enablers of sound administration, institutional memory and operational effectiveness.

He stated that the seminar aligns with the COAS Command Philosophy of “Advancing the Transformation of the Nigerian Army into a More Professional, Adaptable, Combat Ready and Resilient Force Capable of Decisively Discharging its Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

Brigadier General Oyekola noted that the transformation of a modern military institution depends significantly on the quality, accuracy, security and accessibility of its information assets. He explained that efficient data and records management provides the foundation for credible decision-making, effective career management, operational planning, logistics support, legal compliance, financial accountability and institutional continuity.

The Acting Military Secretary further stated that the seminar was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to implement efficient, secure and standardised data management and record-keeping practices. He urged personnel to foster a culture that places a premium on accuracy, timeliness, accountability and strict compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures, stressing that every report generated and every personnel record maintained contributes to preserving the institutional memory of the Nigerian Army.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled: “Efficient Data Management and Record Keeping: A Catalyst for Enhancing Career Management and Administration in the Nigerian Army,” Major General Nosakhare Ugbo (rtd) maintained that modern career management can no longer depend on manual and fragmented systems.
He noted that accurate and reliable data directly impacts recruitment, commissioning, postings, promotions, courses, appointments, welfare and retirement benefits.

Major General Ugbo therefore urged personnel to embrace technology-driven solutions, adhere strictly to established procedures and regard accurate record keeping as a professional responsibility. He also advocated sustained investment in data governance, cybersecurity and capacity development to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s personnel administration and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving security environment.

The seminar featured lectures and interactive discussions by experienced military and academic resource persons, with emphasis on data governance, cybersecurity, digital records management, information assurance, records preservation and contemporary best practices for enhancing career management and administration in the Nigerian Army.