The federal government has commenced the reform of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi inaugurated a 21-man committee to facilitate the process at the Ship House on Monday.
The body includes former top Generals, including an ex-Defence Chief.
Magashi announced a 10-point Terms of Reference as contained in the Convening Order.
The retired General told the committee to address perceived administrative and operational gaps in the military in line with 21st century standards.
The Minister advised the team chaired by Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Umaru (rtd) to ensure their recommendations was in tune with efforts against insurgents, bandits and kidnappers.
Magashi said President Muhammadu Buhari believes their submission will drive his campaign promise to return the Nigerian military to global reckoning.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Musa Istifanus said the committee, which has Air Commodore D. E. Abdullahi (rtd) as Secretary, was “carefully selected and balanced to meet national representation and aspirations”.
In his remark, AVM Umaru (rtd) assured the federal government that members will bring their experiences and expertise to bear in the discharge of assigned tasks.
Members are ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (rtd); Lt Gen Chikadibia Obiakor (rtd), ex-Assistant Secretary General, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations; Goni Aji, former Head of Service; Rear Admiral A. G. Adedeji (rtd); Maj Gen A. M. Jibril (rtd); Rear Admiral F. D. Akpan; Adviser to the Minister, Maj Gen Ahmed Tijani Jibrin (rtd); Rear Admiral J. A. Ajani (rtd).
The team also has Brigadier General J. N. Temlong; Group Captain S.G. Shehu (rtd); Maj Gen O. F. Azinta (rep – Chief of Defence Staff); Maj Gen Charles Ofoche (rep – Chief of Army Staff); Rear Admiral O. E. Eyo (rep – Chief of Naval Staff); AVM I.O. Ojeyemi (rep – Chief of Air Staff).
The rest are Professor A. S. Nwankwo, former Provost, Nigerian Defence Academy; Director Joint Services (JSD), Mrs O. M. Mustapha; Director Reforms, Mrs Ochida Ahubi Suzan (rep of Ministry of Defence); former Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry, Aliyu Ismaila and Ambassador Danjuma Sheni.
FG begins Defence Ministry, Nigerian military reform, engages retired Generals
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