The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the adoption of world-class management standards across Nigerian Army hospitality enterprises, stressed that excellence in service delivery remains vital to sustainability and institutional credibility.
He made this call on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) Annual Army Officers’ Mess and Suites Stakeholders Conference 2025, held in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Conforming to World-Class Management Standards for Sustainable Nigerian Army Hospitality Businesses,” brought together key stakeholders, industry professionals and subject-matter experts to deliberate on strategies for enhancing the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian Army hospitality services.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the DSSP for implementing progressive initiatives that have repositioned Nigerian Army hospitality assets in line with global best practices. He noted that the subsidised services offered by Army Officers’ Mess and Suites have improved service delivery, encouraged innovation and promoted inclusiveness in customer engagement.
Represented by the Chief of Logistics (Army), Major General Adekunle Adeyinka, the COAS urged participants to align with his command philosophy, which focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He further encouraged the Chief of Special Services and Programmes and his team to explore emerging opportunities within the hospitality industry to strengthen service standards and enhance the operational effectiveness of Army Officers’ Mess and Suites and other Army hospitality establishments nationwide.
The Army Chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his consistent strategic guidance and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and soldiers to the President, the Constitution and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Major General Aminu Garba, said the department has remained committed to repositioning Command Guest Houses for improved service delivery, operational viability and customer satisfaction. He thanked the COAS for his sustained support, which has translated into improved quality management practices and customer retention.
The conference attracted Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, senior officers, heads of Nigerian Army establishments, representatives of Command Guest Houses management nationwide, and top executives from the hospitality industry.
