MANPOWER PROJECTION, MOTIVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY 1994-2000 AD

Abstract

The effectiveness of an army, as an offensive and defensive force, does not necessarily consist of the number of troops nor essentially of the superior weapons in its arsenal. Rather, it is determined by the level of discipline, morale and efficiency of its forces. If number was the decisive factor, Wellington would not have won the battle of Waterloo. Again, if number and superiority of weapons were the decisive factors, the State of Israel would never have come into being in 1948.

Nigeria has a large army in Africa and she spends a high proportion of her total recurrent expenditure to maintain her forces. Like any other organisation in the world, the Nigerian Army is faced with many problems such as discipline, morale and efficiency, which became very prominent immediately after the civil war. Training, promotions, increases in pay, the provision of decent accommodation and provision of modern weapons are certainly some of the requirement for a well motivated force.

This project is an attempt at discussing some of the relevant issues which would enable the Nigerian Army (NA) overhaul itself and in order to remain suited for future challenges. In doing so, the project began with an historical perspective of the Nigerian Army, and the different stages it passed through till its present organisation. The reason for this movement from historical to present is that there seems to be an urgent need to recognise certain factors which are not hitherto being given due recognition, emphasis and weight that they deserve.

The project also discusses recruitment policy, training and development of Main Occupational Specialty (MOS) skills in the NA. These are aimed at developing the officers and men. But hardly would these variables remain relevant without requisite qualifications to back them up. Skilled and unskilled tradesmen, retired officers and discharged soldiers are in-corporated in the discussion.

The project also identifies manpower wastage rate in the NA and in the larger Nigeria society. At no time is surplus manpower a disadvantage to any nation. Indeed, manpower is always an asset to any nation. The attrition rate is high in the NA.

Emancipation or egalitarianism of women are slogans that have dominated the headlines for many years running. (Females are now being recruited into the NA. The project took a look at the parameter for the recruitment of such female soldiers.

Bearing in mind, the importance of the linkage between motivation and productivity, the project also looked at this aspect. It is believed that there are a lot of potentials available in the NA and the necessary incentives ought to be at the proper places for maximum performance of the army. Such incentives are discussed under the headings of remuneration, housing scheme, leadership quality, rewards, training and in fact ideology, to mention but a few. The importance of these incentives cannot be over-emphasised if the best performance is expected of both officers and soldiers of NA.

Based on the overall appraisal of the arguments in the preceding paragraphs, a conclusion was drawn and recommendations made to improve areas which In the author's view require further Improvement.