Embassy officials during the interactive session with the AFCSC delegation
The Embassy of Nigeria in Cotonou warmly received a delegation from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, on Monday, 24 November 2025, as part of the College’s annual study tour programme. The visit, which commenced at 8:30 a.m., featured a closed-door interactive session between the Embassy’s leadership and the delegation.
The meeting brought together the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (CDA), the Consular Officer, the Special Officer to the Mission (SOS), and senior officials of the Embassy, alongside the leadership of the AFCSC delegation.
In his opening remarks, the CDA expressed his delight at hosting the delegation and commended the Deputy Director leading the team for his excellent coordination and seamless arrangements. He noted that the Embassy belongs to all Nigerians and reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to serving the nation with dedication, integrity, and unity of purpose.
The CDA emphasized that the responsibilities entrusted to officers in both diplomatic and military service are significant, but attainable through commitment, professionalism, and teamwork.
Addressing the expectations of the study tour, the CDA encouraged the student officers to develop clear, well-researched recommendations and a strategic blueprint capable of informing policymakers and national leaders. He assured the delegation of the Embassy’s openness to continued collaboration and expressed confidence in the officers’ ability to distinguish themselves through diligence and excellence.
The session concluded at 9:19 a.m. with mutual expressions of appreciation and prayers for God’s continued guidance for the CDA and the Embassy team.
Following the official briefing, the CDA proceeded to the main hall where he addressed the student officers directly. He welcomed them warmly, commended their discipline, and encouraged them to pursue their careers with focus, determination, and integrity.
He reminded the officers that leadership opportunities may arise from among them, depending on their performance, character, and commitment to excellence, and conveyed the Embassy’s best wishes for their academic and professional advancement.
ABOUT THE STUDY TOUR
The Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, established to train operational-level military officers, remains one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions for developing command and staff competencies. Its core objective is to strengthen the professional knowledge and leadership capacity of selected officers of the Armed Forces, in preparation for higher responsibilities.
This year’s study tour is themed:
“Harnessing Community-led Initiatives for Enhanced National Security.”
As part of the College’s curriculum, student officers are required to analyse how host nations implement community-driven initiatives that contribute to national security. The Republic of Benin provides an important case study, offering insights into local approaches to community engagement, stability, and development.
During the tour, the delegation will examine Benin’s efforts to address challenges related to community participation in governance and security, and how these efforts contribute to both national development and broader regional stability. The experience is expected to enhance the students’ capacity to develop innovative, practical, and context-specific recommendations that can strengthen national and regional security frameworks.
THE DELEGATION
The delegation comprises 76 participants, including:
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66 student officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force
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10 faculty members from AFCSC, Jaji
The programme also includes international students and representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, underscoring the College’s commitment to joint, inter-agency, and multinational cooperation.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Cotonou wishes the AFCSC delegation a successful study tour and reiterates its continued support for initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
