The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has applauded the dedication, courage and sacrifice of retiring personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria as 576 participants graduated from the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Course 2/2025. He was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, at the Passing Out Ceremony held on Friday, 12 December 2025.
Delivering the CNS’s goodwill message, Rear Admiral Mustapha said it was “a moment of pride, joy and reflection,” as the nation honoured men and women who had devoted over three decades to defending Nigeria’s peace, unity and territorial integrity.
He described the ceremony as more than a routine event, but a tribute to the resilience and professionalism of personnel who served in war and peace, counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assignments at home and abroad.
“You stood firm in the face of danger and uncertainty, and your contributions to national security remain indelible,” he stated.
The CNS urged the retirees to apply the vocational, entrepreneurial and management training received at NAFRC as they transition to civilian life, noting that financial prudence, discipline and adaptability would be crucial to their success after service.
He advised them to remain role models in their communities and support security initiatives in collaboration with law-enforcement agencies, while upholding the honour and integrity synonymous with the Nigerian military.
Vice Admiral Abbas expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to personnel welfare and post-service reintegration support. He also commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, OFR, for their leadership.
He further lauded the Commandant of NAFRC and the entire staff for sustaining high training standards and continuously improving the Centre’s entrepreneurship and vocational programmes.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman, described the event as a landmark moment that celebrates the resilience, commitment and achievements of the graduating participants.
He noted that NAFRC has, since inception, trained over 54,000 personnel from the Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies and allied nations, reinforcing its reputation as a Centre of Excellence in vocational and entrepreneurial development.
AVM Mamman outlined major reforms undertaken under his leadership, including: Renovation of the Headquarters Complex Reception, Corporal and Below Quarters, SNCO Quarters, Resource Centre and participant accommodations; Construction of seat-outs and installation of solar streetlights; Upgrade of the Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Block and Charity Gate Quarter Guard; Procurement of operational vehicles; Completion of a new administrative block for NAFRCOWA, scheduled for commissioning during the ceremony.
He also highlighted enhanced Research and Development efforts and the introduction of quarterly entrepreneurship and management training for mid-level and senior officers. A total of 39 officers and two civilian staff recently completed the EMPRETEC programme.
In partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), NAFRC introduced lectures on business registration to help participants appreciate the legal, financial and branding benefits of formalised ventures.
Despite funding constraints, the Centre expanded its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, offering vocational training to youths, widows and orphans of deceased personnel. Additionally, its 30-hectare agricultural land in Epe is being developed in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to strengthen training in agriculture, waste management and renewable energy.
AVM Mamman thanked President Tinubu for approving increments in starter packs and supporting the upgrade of digital infrastructure and industrial workshops.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Training, Navy Captain Jennifer Oklobia, presented the highlights of Pre-Discharge Course 2/2025, noting that the programme began on 6 January 2025 with 629 participants.
One participant, she said, passed away due to ill health, while 52 were medically unfit and returned to their units but will receive Certificates of Exemption. A total of 576 retirees met all requirements to be awarded the NAFRC Pre-Discharge Certificate. “The composition of the graduating cohort reflects a broad representation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. A total of 576 personnel successfully completed the rigorous Pre-Discharge Course 2/2025, distributed as follows: Nigerian Army – 366 personnel
The Army formed the largest contingent, comprising senior non-commissioned officers and other ranks transitioning after decades of dedicated service; Nigerian Navy – 90 personnel
The Navy’s representation included Master Warrant Officers, Warrant Officers and ratings who have distinguished themselves across various operational commands; Nigerian Air Force – 120 personnel
The Air Force cohort featured seasoned airmen and women who have contributed significantly to air operations, logistics and technical support roles.
This diverse tri-service participation underscores the Armed Forces’ unified commitment to ensuring that retiring personnel receive robust training and support as they prepare for reintegration into civilian life. She also acknowledged 26 female participants, 17 from the Navy and 9 from the Air Force.
Captain Oklobia said the six-month training covered 33 entrepreneurship and vocational trades including automobile mechanics, welding, fabrication, cosmetics, and household product manufacturing. Participants also underwent written and practical assessments and an eight-week industrial attachment across government farms, agencies and private organisations nationwide.
The ceremony ended with goodwill messages, presentation of certificates and words of encouragement from the leadership of the Armed Forces.
The CNS congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain steadfast, disciplined and patriotic as they embark on a new phase of life.
“Retirement is not the end of service,” he said. “It is a new beginning one filled with opportunities to lead, inspire and contribute to national development.”