The Nigerian Army recognizes the importance of effective protocol and liaison in achieving efficient joint and multi-agency operations, hence, the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) organised the Third Annual AHQ DSSP Capacity Building Workshop on Protocol and Liaison Duties.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, at the TY Buratai Hall, Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Asokoro, Abuja, themed "Leveraging Protocol and Liaison for Efficient Joint and Multi-Agency Operations
Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, ably represented by the Director General Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General Gbemiga O. Adeshina, while formally declaring the third capacity building workshop on protocol and design duties open said that the growing demand for competence among personnel responsible for protocol and liaison duties, called for enhanced training and capacity development in protocol and liaison duties at various levels to ensure seamless and cautious engagement within a joint environment.
"There is an increase in our military-to-military bilateral contracts and engagement with friendly allies worldwide, along with our expanding domestic liaison with various security stakeholders and multi-agencies.
"In this regard, the department collaborates with professionals and subject matter experts in the protocol field, towards building the capacity of our protocols and liaison officers is quite commendable," he said
The Army Chief noted that the workshop will certainly enhance the participants' capacity and improve their competence, especially during joint and multi-agency operations.
"This, indeed, is in sync with my command philosophy, which is to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibility within the joint and multi-agency environment.
"The team of the workshop, which is "Leveraging Protocol and Liaison for Efficient Joint and Multi-Agency Operations", is equally apt and consistent with my desire for competence and synergy of effort, as it's calculated under the professionalism and combat-ready pillars of my command philosophy.
"It is my desire that this workshop will ensure objective engagements and interactions that would foster inter-agency cooperation towards achieving our collective goals during joint and multi-agency operations.
"Based on the topics highlighted in the program of events for this workshop, I am hopeful that to galvanize our interest and provide the knowledge and information required by the participants to function effectively and efficiently in the field when needed," he added
Lt General Oluyede seized the opportunity to inform all that the Nigerian army remains highly committed to its constitutional rules within the security landscape that is increasingly volatile on certain and complex.
He encouraged participants to actively participate in joint efforts to subdue the present-day challenges, ranging from fighting insurgency, ethnic crisis, and banditry activities commonly faced by all of us.
He said the combination of security personnel engaged in various operations throughout the country has been an exceptional job against daunting odds and continues to end the commendation of the grid formation. We shall continue to provide enabling leadership and guidance to increase their confidence and effectiveness.
"Furthermore, we continue to acquire more platforms to ensure that the fight against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes in our country is executed without material hindrance.
Therefore, we expect and demand that all our troops remain professional in our conduct and portray the good impact of the military and that of other security agencies in a manner reflective of our unique traditions and in the nation's best interests." he noted
He commended the Chief of Special Services and Programs (Army) and his team for organizing this training workshop.
The army Chief stressed the establishment of the Directorate of Protocol in the Department of Special Services and Programs was borne out of the consideration for a more efficient coordination of all Nigerian army liaison, special ceremonial events and parades, including other programs in line with global trends.
He said the Department's multifaceted responsibilities, including protocol and liaison functions, are clearly underscored in the Army's commitment to uphold global-best practices, standards and regulations in handling diplomatic protocols, precedence and etiquette. These key sets are invaluable in our contemporary world, as we constantly share how the Nigerian Army is perceived.
The Keynote speaker, Maj. Gen Julius Oshanupin (RTD), in his presentation described a corporate entity as an individual that plays a significant role in contributing to the social, economic, and infrastructural development of a nation. He said these entities can be private companies, public-private partnerships, or government-backed organizations that work towards promoting national growth and development.
"A corporate entity. An individual who makes up a family. It's not a job for one person, it's a job for all members of that family. I want you to look at that. And see how you gradually expanded to the societal stage.
He stressed that the populace and the civil society organisation are entities that are very crucial to mission accomplishment for all to see.
A corporate entity must be able to function effectively. Corporate Response: All entities should operate together, and each entity understands its role in the corporate process.
Retired Maj. Gen Julius Oshanupin also noted that the military can be viewed as a corporate entity, with a hierarchical structure, defined roles and responsibilities, and a clear chain of command. This perspective recognizes the military as an organization that operates with a distinct culture, values, and mission.
He said, there is a clear chain of command, with defined roles and responsibilities with distinct culture that emphasizes discipline, loyalty, and teamwork.
A clear mission and objectives that guide decision-making and actions. Effective management of resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget.
"Developing and implementing long-term plans to achieve mission objectives. Overseeing day-to-day operations, including logistics, supply chain management, and personnel management, providing training and development opportunities to enhance personnel skills and performance, and assessing performance and making adjustments to achieve mission objectives," he added
He stressed that applying corporate management principles can enhance military efficiency and effectiveness, which can promote accountability and transparency in military operations. Effective resource management can support mission objectives and improve overall performance.
Earlier, the Chief Host is the Chief of Special Services and Programmes Maj General Jamal Abdusalam, in his welcome address, pointed out that the workshop was equally expanded to incorporate the participation of colleagues from sister services and personnel of other security agencies.
"This was envisioned to inject the desire for realism by way of fruitful interactions towards a common understanding of templates related to protocol and liaison functions expected to strengthen the synergy of efforts in interagency cooperation in our joint and multi-agency cooperation.
"Specific objective of the workshop is to enhance the capability of participants in joint planning, coordination, support, and supervision of special events and programmes." he noted
The Third Annual AHQ DSSP Capacity Building Workshop on Protocol and Liaison Duties provides deep insights into the evolving roles of protocol officers and liaison personnel in today's joint and multi-agency operational environment and its brought together key stakeholders from the Nigerian Army, sister services, relevant government agencies, and seasoned experts in protocol and liaison duties.