Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, says harnessing data, digitalisation, and real-time logistics would improve efficiency and responsiveness in the military.
Sanwo-Olu said this at the 25th Combat Service Support (CSS) Training Week 2024 at Nebo Hall, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Ojuelegba, Lagos State.
The CSS comprises of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply & Transport and Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, said the era of joint operations was necessary to ensure synergy between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies for success.
He said the week themed “Repositioning the Combat Service Support Corps to Support the Nigerian Army towards Achieving its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment,” resonated deeply with the evolving nature of modern warfare.
According to Sanwo-Olu, repositioning CSS within this joint environment means fostering closer collaboration, interoperability, and communication across all branches of the nation’s Armed Forces.
In his words, the training week provides an opportunity for our men and women to deepen their understanding of how CSS can be optimised to enhance joint operations.
He said the transformation is not merely about reacting to challenges as they arise, but proactively anticipating and preparing for the future needs of the troops.
The governor said this would allow them access to current capabilities, identify gaps, and explore innovative solutions that would improve the overall effectiveness of military efforts.
Sanwo-Olu said the quest for repositioning CSS must also acknowledge the importance of the Nigerian Army’s role within the wider security architecture, to build and sustain relationships with both national and international partners.
He said from logistics and supply chain advancements to medical services and technical support, collaboration with allied nations, defence contractors, and civil organisations will further enhance the capacity to meet objectives.
According to him, the training week is more than just a learning exercise; it is a call to action for army men and women to push the boundaries of what is possible and embrace future-ready mind-set.
He said he was confident that the Nigerian Army CSS Corps would rise to the challenge because they had repeatedly demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the cause of national security.
The Governor urged all to make the most of this week by sharing knowledge, challenging conventional thinking, and finding new ways to enhance support systems.
In the same vein, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, said the art and science of logistics support underlies the importance for its dynamic nature and constant adaptation to changes in warfare.
Lagbaja who spoke through the Commander, Corps of Signals, Major-General Gbemiga Adesina, said three elements were vital and played a critical role in achieving success in CSS corps operations.
According to him, the elements are: continuous self-appraisal, assessment and adjustments, saying to the layman and the average soldier, logistics simply means the movement and maintenance of troops in the field.
In his words, while, this is the simple definition, you will realise that there is an art and science to effective logistics support and delivery across Nigerian Army theatres of operation.
He noted that successes in military operations hinges on the delivery of strategy from words to operational and tactical action which centres on realistic and innovative logistics support.
Lagbaja noted that logistics support must always be dynamic, fluid and importantly adaptable.
According to him, In order to ensure that this is achieved in the Nigerian Army, he had dedicated substantial resources to the logistics Corps.
He said though resources are limited, he will continue to provide requisite support in the areas of training, procurement, maintenance of platforms and welfare of personnel amongst others.
He said the corps commanders have put in commensurate determination in response to these efforts.
Lagbaja said he was optimistic that the outcome of the training week would have positive impact across theatres of operations and areas of responsibilities covered by the Nigerian Army.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the unwavering and constitutional support that the Nigerian Army had continued to receive from his administration.
The Army Chief appreciated the support of other services, saying they operate in a joint environment and synergy with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force across theatres and areas of operation is paramount for success.
The 2024 training week will end on 22nd August.