The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, officially opened the 2025 Defence Training Conference today, calling for a transformative approach to training within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Themed, “Performance-Oriented Training and Trends in the Contemporary Operating Environment,” the conference took place at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
In his opening remarks, the minister stressed the necessity of adapting training methodologies to meet the complex and evolving security challenges facing Nigeria today.
He said: “We are no longer engaged in yesterday’s conflicts. The threats we confront are asymmetric, borderless, and increasingly sophisticated. Our training programs must evolve to reflect these realities.”
In outlining the strategic direction of the Ministry of Defence, Badaru identified several key focus areas, including:
• Modernisation of training facilities
• Integration of cyber and space capabilities
• Joint inter-agency and international military exercises, and
• Enhanced collaboration with global military institutions
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in the human element of national defence, emphasizing the importance of improved welfare, leadership development, and the psychological resilience of military personnel.
The minister encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues such as the utilisation of simulation technology, the development of modular training systems, and the strengthening of civil-military relations to bolster national development.
Badaru commended the Defence Headquarters for organising the event and praised the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to professionalism and national service.
“The 2025 Defence Training Conference must not remain theoretical. It should result in actionable outcomes that enhance our operational effectiveness both domestically and internationally,” he concluded.
