The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed the adoption of world-class management standards across all Nigerian Army hospitality enterprises.
At the opening of the 2025 Annual Army Officers’ Mess and Suites Stakeholders Conference, organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) in Abuja on Tuesday, the Army Chief stressed that excellence in service delivery is essential for sustainability, professionalism and institutional credibility.
The conference, themed “Conforming to World-Class Management Standards for Sustainable Nigerian Army Hospitality Businesses,” brought together key stakeholders, hospitality industry professionals and subject-matter experts to explore strategies for improving quality, efficiency and competitiveness within Nigerian Army hospitality services.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the DSSP for implementing forward-looking initiatives that have repositioned Nigerian Army hospitality assets in line with global best practices, while noting that the provision of subsidised services at Army Officers’ Mess and Suites has enhanced service delivery, stimulated 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 align discussions with his command philosophy, which focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within joint and multi-agency environments.
He further charged the Chief of Special Services and Programmes and his team to continue exploring emerging opportunities in the hospitality sector to further raise service standards and strengthen the operational effectiveness of Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, as well as other Nigerian Army hospitality establishments nationwide.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic guidance and consistent 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 resulted in measurable improvements in quality management practices and 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 top executives from the hospitality industry.
