JDWC Inaugural Lecture: CDS Emphasizes Jointness, Indigenous Defence Capacity

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized the need for enhanced border security collaboration and the development of indigenous defence production as central to Nigeria’s evolving military strategy.
He made this known while delivering his closing remarks at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) held on Tuesday, where he outlined a forward-looking vision anchored on self-reliance and regional cooperation to address complex security challenges.
General Oluyede disclosed that the Armed Forces are intensifying efforts to boost local defence manufacturing through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and partnerships with indigenous producers. He also stressed the critical role of effective border management and sustained cooperation with neighbouring countries in strengthening internal security.
Responding to contributions from stakeholders at the lecture, the CDS underscored the importance of synergy among the armed services, noting that isolated operations often fall short of achieving optimal results. He highlighted the necessity of joint operations, where the Army, Navy, and Air Force leverage their unique capabilities to deliver more effective outcomes.
He further revealed that recommendations from the lecture would be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to secure wider support and ensure effective implementation.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), who attended as Special Guest of Honour, reinforced the CDS’s position, advocating a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government” approach to national security.
The Minister described the JDWC, established in July 2025, as a critical platform for fostering integrated military thinking and enhancing collaboration across service branches. He noted that true operational effectiveness is achieved when land, maritime, and air forces operate seamlessly as a unified force, supported by active citizen participation.
Earlier, the Director General of the JDWC, Major General A.E. Edet, highlighted the Centre’s progress within six months of its establishment, noting that it has developed strategic roadmaps aimed at achieving full operational capacity.
He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to advancing innovation and technology-driven solutions to strengthen national security and drive collective prosperity.
The inaugural lecture marks a significant step toward institutionalizing joint military doctrine, improving defence coordination, and promoting a comprehensive, collaborative approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The event attracted a broad spectrum of participants, including serving and former military chiefs, senior officers, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other key stakeholders.