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To consolidate Jointness in the outposts of Nigeria and to address inherent challenges in some joint operational areas, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has established its Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre Nigeria to tackle challenges that require an integrated defence doctrine and supporting structures. 

The commissioning of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre took place today, Tuesday, 8 July 2025, at Asokoro, Abuja, a pivotal moment for armed forces and a testament to their commitment to safeguarding our nation's security.  

The Special Guest of Honour, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu commended the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, all the service chiefs and their teams, as well as the initiators and other stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring this noble idea and initiative to fruition.

He said that by commissioning this centre, the FG is embarking on a journey to shape the future of the Nigerian military, characterised by enhanced collaboration, Creativity, and critical thinking to strengthen our capabilities and effectiveness.

"As we gather to witness this achievement today, our aspirations for the progressive development of the Nigerian military are being revitalised. The Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre Nigeria will serve as a hub for knowledge sharing as well as research and development in modern warfare.

"This is based on the fact that Developments in modern warfare have shown that Jointness is the way forward. Let us harness the potential of this centre to drive progress on complex challenges and shape the future of our armed forces.

"As we move forward, it is our hope that this centre will meet the expectations of our national aspirations, drive innovation, and make a positive impact on our desire to advance our military in line with the renewed hope Agenda of this administration," he said

He urged everyone to embrace the spirit of innovation, teamwork,, and common learning, more importantly and encourage these services to embark on the idea and concept of practising jointness. He said their dedication and perseverance have indeed paid off, as we embark on this new chapter.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, said for long, the complexities of modern warfare have demanded a more integrated and unified approach, and this Centre is the answer to that imperative and in line with a key aspect of my leadership concept, which is jointness. 

He noted that this centre will serve as a hub from which our collective military intellect will converge. Here, we will develop, refine, and codify the doctrines that will guide our joint operations. 

"We will analyse emerging threats, experiment with innovative tactics, and prepare our forces to operate as one cohesive unit, regardless of their individual service affiliations.

The CDS stressed that the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre will foster an environment of continuous learning, critical thinking, and inter-service dialogue. 

He said it will be the place where we break down the problem, where ground forces understand the intricacies of naval power, where airmen appreciate the challenges of special operations, and where all branches learn to leverage each other's strengths to achieve overwhelming superiority. 

"This is a new chapter in our military history where unity of effort, shared understanding, and doctrinal clarity will be our guiding principles." he said

The CDS reminded dedicated men and women who will staff the centre of the immense responsibility that rests on their shoulders. 

"You are at the forefront of shaping the future of our defence. Your intellectual rigour, your collaborative spirit, and your unwavering commitment to excellence will define the effectiveness of our joint operations for years to come. 

" You must therefore embrace this opportunity to forge a truly integrated and formidable fighting force, capable of defending our nation against any threat, anywhere, anytime.

The CDS noted that this achievement represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and vision."  As we embark on this new chapter, I am confident that the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre will play a vital role in shaping our military’s future.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru said the Centre is designed to serve as a central point for the development, harmonisation and review of joint doctrines for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, guiding our operations across all domains of warfare while fostering interoperability among the services. 

Major General Onumajuru noted that it will also serve as a think tank for the Ministerial Defence, Defence Headquarters and the Defence and National Security sector in Nigeria, as well as the region, for joint doctrine development and warfare planning.

He said it represents a major step forward in our efforts to modernise and professionalise our Armed Forces by fostering a culture of jointness and excellence.

"The Centre will play a critical role in developing and refining our military doctrine, ensuring that our forces are equipped to operate effectively in an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment. It is also expected that the Centre will in due course serve as a sub-regional hub for the development of doctrines and concepts that will guide regional operations and multinational joint operations. Regional and sub-regional operations in the continent lack underpinning doctrines and concepts

"The Centre will fill this gap by developing doctrines and concepts that will drive the multinational joint air force, ECOWAS and AU operations. So the Centre will have staffs from African countries, starting with Lake Chad Basin and also ECOWAS member states, while collaborating extensively with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, ECOWAS and African Union. It is envisaged that the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre Nigeria will develop doctrinal templates and stimulate practical steps to improving jointness in the Air Force of Nigeria.

"Specifically, it will, among others, intensify jointness and inter-agency cooperation within the joint operation area by developing suitable joint operation concepts and doctrines based on the trade situation. It will serve as a think tank for the Defence Headquarters, Ministerial Defence and the wider national security and defence sector in Nigeria, as well as for regional security. It will develop the doctrinal basis for engaging with our regional and multinational security partners," he said

Major General Emeka Onumajuru stressed that it will promote integration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria by harmonising doctrinal instruments already in existence. It will promote joint doctrine and warfare planning as the basis of integrated force development in the Armed Forces and will, most importantly, link the defence doctrine with the national security strategy, among all other strategic documents. It will conduct future and net-based assessments to guide the Armed Forces of Nigeria's force development into the future.

SpyeTV News reports that the Centre will serve to renew efforts and progress already made in the use of a fuller government approach to addressing national security challenges, and also the increasing use of joint and multi-agency frameworks at the operational level. 

The time for increased and sustained interface at both the doctrinal, operational planning and execution level is now, as it offers immense opportunity for a clearer understanding of the contemporary and future strategic threats and also for effective conduct of joint operations.