Army trains defence ministry staff in financial management

The Nigerian Army Finance Corps said the senior staff of the Ministry of Defence in the Nigerian Army establishments are now well-equipped with financial management and work ethic skills.

The Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Maj. Gen. Adetokunbo Fayemiwo, said this at the third edition of a three-day financial management training organised by the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration at Arakan Barracks in Lagos State.

In a statement by NAFC, Fayemiwo said the financial management training aimed to improve the synergy between military and civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence, with a commitment to optimising the vision of the Chief of Army Staff and enhancing the security architecture of the country.

Fayemiwo, who was represented by the Commander of the Command Finance Office, Brig. Gen. Abubakar Maikan, said the training was designed to enhance proficiency and equip senior MOD staff with skills in financial management at the strategic level, providing the necessary expertise to confront challenges in financial management and office administration.

He called for synergy among all sister services, para-military and security agencies, and other important stakeholders, including the staff of the Ministry of Defence and the parent supervising ministry.

Fayemiwo, “The seminar/training is designed to enhance the capabilities of senior officers, fostering sound minds, deep analytical skills, and flexibility to carry out financial, administrative, and military duties in furtherance of the Ministry of Defence’s objectives.

“My mission statement, anchored on the vision of the Chief of Army Staff—to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force toward achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment—is to establish a corps that is proactive and proficient in delivering financial services to support the Nigerian Army in accomplishing its missions in defence of Nigeria.

“The mission statement aims to enhance transparency in all Nigerian Army financial transactions, improve compliance with extant regulations, and minimise waste in defence expenditure.”

In his welcome remarks, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Maj. Gen. Julius Osifo, noted that NASFA, which had produced 4,684 graduates with National Diploma and Higher National Diploma qualifications, serves as the training arm of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.

In addition, during the closing ceremony,  Fayemiwo, who was represented by the Deputy Commander of the Command Finance Office, Brig. Gen. Basharu Aminu, emphasised that the training, which covered six lectures, provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and best practices in the field of public finances and healthy workplace relationships.