By Ameh Gabriel
Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the 3rd Edition of the Forum of African Defence and War Colleges’ Commandants (FADWCC) scheduled for 2026.
The announcement was made by Colonel-Major Lahcen El-Hajjami, Director of the Royal College of Higher Military Studies (CREMS) in Kenitra, Morocco, during the closing ceremony of the 2nd Edition of the Forum. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Public Relations Officer of the National Defence College (NDC), Navy Captain Mohammed Tukur Mohammed.
Tukur revealed that Nigeria’s selection followed a unanimous vote by all member-countries in attendance. With this, Nigeria becomes the second country and the first Anglophone nation to host the prestigious event.
Established in 2024, the FADWCC aims to strengthen partnerships among defence and war colleges across Africa, addressing shared security challenges and enhancing collaboration in higher military education.
Receiving the symbolic hosting flag from his Moroccan counterpart, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, Commandant of NDC Nigeria and leader of the Nigerian delegation, accepted the hosting rights on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The 2025 Forum, themed “Artificial Intelligence and Defence”, was attended by commandants from 14 African nations, including Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia. This marked a significant increase in participation compared to the inaugural edition in 2024, which saw eight countries in attendance.
Tukur added that Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 Forum included the commandants of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force War Colleges, alongside their spouses and academic staff members.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Olotu expressed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting a world-class event in 2026. He thanked his counterparts for the confidence placed in Nigeria and pledged to surpass the high standards set by Morocco. He also commended CREMS leadership and staff for their exceptional organization and hospitality during the 2025 Forum.
