The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has called 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 in Abuja, themed “Performance-Oriented Training and Trends in the Contemporary Operating Environment.”

In a statement signed by Mati Ali, Principal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Badaru emphasized the need for the military to adapt to the complex and evolving security challenges facing the country. “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,” Badaru said.

The Defence Minister outlined several key focus areas for the Ministry of Defence, including the modernization of training facilities, integration of cyber and space capabilities, joint inter-agency and international military exercises, and enhanced collaboration with global military institutions. Badaru reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in the human element of national defence, emphasizing the importance of improved welfare, leadership development, and psychological resilience of military personnel.

Badaru commended the Defence Headquarters for organizing 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.

The conference represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to cultivate a more adaptable, technologically advanced, and strategically aligned military force. Mati Ali noted that the event would provide a platform for meaningful discussions on critical issues affecting the military. Badaru encouraged participants to engage in these discussions, particularly on topics such as simulation technology, modular training systems, and civil-military relations. Badaru believes these discussions will help shape the future of military training in Nigeria.