NAFRC upskills 40 senior officers in entrepreneurship, managerial
The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) has enrolled 40 mid-level and senior officers for this year’s entrepreneurship and management training to equip them with skills outside their military competencies.
The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) has enrolled 40 mid-level and senior officers for this year's entrepreneurship and management training to equip them with skills outside their military competencies.
Organised in partnership with the EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation, the programme has benefited over 312 commissioned officers of the Armed Forces by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a civilian business environment while still in active service.
Inaugurating the course at NAFRC in Oshodi on Tuesday, the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, said it was a "highly coveted" opportunity that would prepare officers for meaningful and beneficial engagements beyond their military careers.
“The course will expose you to the realities of the civilian business environment, sharpen your decision-making skills and help you cultivate a mindset of innovation, resilience and adaptability needed to navigate the dynamic world of business and leadership," he said.
Although not a pre-retirement programme, the Commandant stressed that it would help officers confront the initial challenges of post-service life by enabling them to plan and strategise early.
“Success in entrepreneurship is not solely about having a great idea. It requires strategic management, adaptability, financial literacy and unwavering commitment to hard work,” he said.
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According to AVM Ilo, participants now have the advantage of learning to manage small and medium-scale enterprises while in active service, noting that many alumni of the centre were running successful enterprises across the country.
He challenged them to approach the course earn dedication, reminding them that there was no no finish line in the race to success.
He acknowledged the support of the Minister of Defence and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the programme, thanking the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and service chiefs for nomintaing participating officers.
Earlier, the Director of Training, Brigadier-General Isang Akpaumontia, said the inauguration marked the official commencement of the first Middle and Senior Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course for 2026, in line with NAFRC's forecast of events.
He announced that the course, previously conducted twice yearly, would now hold quarterly to accommodate more officers and broaden access to business and management training.
“For this first quarter course, the Centre received 23 nominations for middle-level officers and 17 for senior-level officers, making a total of 40 participants,” he said.
"The 17 senior officers were drawn from the Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, Defence Space Administration and the three services- Army, Navy and Air Force," he said.
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He noted the absence of nominations from other security agencies but expressed optimism that subsequent courses would attract wider participation.
Brig.-Gen Akpaumontia disclosed that the initial one-week agricultural phase covering food and animal production had been completed. Participants were now in the second phase of entrepreneur technical training and business management facilitated by EMPRETEC.
The director cautioned officers to remain security conscious in Lagos, describing it as a cosmopolitan city with heavy traffic and peculiar challenges. He warned that absenteeism from classes and scheduled activities would attract sanctions, stressing that workshops, exercises and group assignments would form part of the assessment process.
“Our medical centre, recreational and sporting facilities are available and free for your use throughout your stay. The Officers’ Mess is also available for relaxation. You do not need to go outside. The centre for extracurricular activities,” he added.
In her remarks, the Country Representative of EMPRETEC Nigeria, Mrs Onari Duke, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to deepening its partnership with NAFRC.
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She said the programme had successfully concluded its foundational two-week segment for the mid-level course, covering agricultural management and entrepreneurship training, and would now transition fully into the comprehensive entrepreneurship and management module.
“This programme exemplifies the effective collaboration between EMPRETEC and NAFRC, demonstrating our shared commitment to equipping officers with the skills necessary for success,” she said.
According to her, the curriculum was structured to address leadership and operational challenges faced by officers.
"For senior officers, modules include 21st Century Leadership Challenges, Strategic Profitability, Project Management, Corporate Governance and Conflict Resolution. Mid-level officers will focus on interpersonal skills, legal structures for business sustainability, transformational leadership, sales and marketing tools, as well as healthy ageing and wellness," she explained.
The 2026 Course 17 is expected to run through a combination of lectures, workshops and strategic excursions, culminating in a graduation ceremony where participants’ performance will be assessed and recognised.
