COAS, Jonathan, Defence Chiefs Advance Security-Industrial Growth at NDC Graduation Lecture
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday, August 24, 2026, joined former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), OFR; the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police and other senior security and strategic stakeholders at the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 Graduation Lecture in Abuja.
The lecture, held at Abacha Hall, NDC, was delivered by former President Jonathan and titled, “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
The lecture provided a strategic platform for senior leaders within Nigeria’s defence and security architecture to examine the critical link between industrial development, economic resilience and sustainable security in Africa.
The high-level gathering also brought together the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Director-General of the Department of State Services, heads of other security agencies and distinguished participants to explore how Africa can harness its industrial potential to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen national resilience, reduce strategic vulnerabilities and foster lasting regional stability.
The discourse underscored the growing nexus between industrial capacity, economic security and national defence, particularly against the backdrop of evolving security challenges across the continent.
It highlighted the need for African countries to strengthen indigenous productive capacity, deepen technological advancement, reduce external dependencies and create sustainable economic opportunities capable of addressing some of the underlying drivers of instability.
The participation of the COAS and other senior defence and security leaders further reinforced the importance of a whole-of-government approach to national security, recognising that sustainable peace and stability are shaped not only by military capability, but also by economic resilience, industrial strength, technological advancement and effective governance.
The graduation lecture formed part of activities marking the completion of NDC Course 34 and further affirmed the College’s pivotal role in developing senior military, security and civilian leaders equipped with the strategic knowledge, critical thinking and professional competencies required to navigate complex national, regional and global security challenges.
