The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed the adoption of world-class management standards across Nigerian Army hospitality enterprises, stressing that excellence in service delivery is essential for sustainability and institutional credibility.
According to Acting Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Appolonia Anele, the CoAS made the call on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the opening 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 improving the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian Army hospitality services.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the DSSP for introducing progressive initiatives that have repositioned Nigerian Army hospitality assets in line with global best practices. He noted that subsidised services provided by Army Officers’ Mess and Suites have enhanced service delivery, encouraged innovation in hospitality management and promoted inclusiveness and diversity in customer engagement.
Represented by the Chief of Logistics (Army), Major General Adekunle Adeyinka, the COAS urged participants to draw inspiration from his command philosophy, which focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional responsibilities within joint and multi-agency environments.
He further encouraged the Chief of Special Services and Programmes and his team to continue exploring emerging opportunities within the hospitality industry to improve service standards and strengthen the operational effectiveness of Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, as well as other Nigerian Army hospitality establishments nationwide.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his consistent strategic guidance and support to the Nigerian Army, while reaffirming the loyalty of officers and soldiers to the President, the Constitution and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier, the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Major General Aminu Garba, said the department has remained committed to repositioning Command Guest Houses to enhance service delivery, operational viability and customer satisfaction. He thanked the COAS for his sustained support, which he said has led to improved quality management practices and increased customer retention across Army Officers’ Mess and Suites.
The conference was attended by Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, senior officers, heads of Nigerian Army establishments, representatives of Command Guest Houses nationwide, and executives from the hospitality industry, among others.
