Nigerian Army Moves to Digitise Records, Automate Salaries in Administrative Reform Drive

The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to modernise its administrative operations through the digitisation of personnel records, automation of salaries and allowances, and the deployment of an integrated Human Resource Management platform across its formations.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this at the opening of the Second Bi-Annual Nigerian Army Chief Clerks’ Convention 2026, held at the Headquarters of the 3 Division Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, Shaibu said the reforms were designed to promote transparency, improve administrative efficiency and strengthen accountability within the military.

According to him, the proposed digital transformation will also ensure that commanders have access to accurate and up-to-date personnel information to support effective planning and decision-making.

The five-day convention, themed “Enhancing Clerical Effectiveness in Support of the Decision-Making Process in a Joint System Environment,” brought together Chief Clerks from various Army formations to discuss ways of improving administrative support amid evolving security challenges.

Shaibu noted that the changing nature of modern warfare, including terrorism, insurgency, cyberattacks, disinformation and transnational organised crime, requires stronger coordination among the armed forces and other security agencies.

He emphasised that effective record management, timely information sharing and personnel accountability remain critical to military success, just as operational firepower and battlefield strategies.

The Army Chief also outlined five strategic priorities guiding his administration's transformation agenda. These include strengthening professionalism and discipline, improving administrative efficiency, enhancing training and operational readiness, expanding technological integration and promoting personnel welfare.

As part of efforts to improve administrative capacity, he announced plans to provide specialised training for clerical personnel in leadership, information management, digital administration and operational documentation.

The training will be facilitated through the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration and other relevant institutions.

On personnel welfare, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to improving accommodation, healthcare and other welfare initiatives while ensuring transparency and fairness in postings, promotions and entitlements.

He urged Chief Clerks to look beyond routine office duties, describing them as essential contributors to troop welfare, command decisions and the successful execution of military operations.

He further challenged participants to use the convention to exchange ideas, address existing administrative challenges and develop practical recommendations that would strengthen the Army's effectiveness in joint and multi-agency operations.

The Army Chief commended the GOC 3 Division, the Department of Personnel Management and the Local Organising Committee for organising the event, expressing confidence that its outcome would contribute to building a more professional, technologically advanced and combat-ready Nigerian Army.