…as Defence Headquarters earns National Assembly commendation
By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to enhancing personnel welfare and strengthening operational efficiency, describing welfare-driven infrastructure as a cornerstone of military effectiveness. He made this known on Friday during the commissioning of newly constructed officers’ accommodation and a link road connecting the Nigerian Army Resource Centre at Mambilla Barracks with the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1 and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja.
In his keynote address, General Musa noted that the event marked yet another milestone in the Armed Forces’ quest to create a conducive environment for service members, ensuring their comfort, safety, and productivity. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries from the military and civil sectors, had as its Special Guest of Honour the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, who commissioned the projects on behalf of the National Assembly.
General Musa, while welcoming guests, expressed profound appreciation to the Speaker for his gracious presence despite his busy schedule, as well as to the Service Chiefs, Principal Staff Officers, and other distinguished guests for their support and partnership. He described the projects as tangible symbols of collective effort and shared responsibility towards improving the lives and working conditions of military personnel and their families.
“These newly constructed buildings and link road are not merely conveniences,” the CDS stated. “They are critical infrastructure designed to promote efficiency, safety, and comfort within the Armed Forces community. The Niger Barracks Extension Block, which will accommodate policymakers in the Defence Headquarters, offers an enabling environment for formulating sound and forward-thinking defence policies that will keep our military effective, professional, and mission-ready.”
General Musa further highlighted that the project aligns with his leadership philosophy “To nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, collaborative, and capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment.” He emphasized that the second pillar of this philosophy prioritizes troops’ welfare as the foundation of operational success.
“Operational excellence begins with the morale and welfare of our people,” he explained. “When we invest in their quality of life, we are directly investing in the strength, efficiency, and unity of our forces.”
He also commended the National Assembly for its consistent support through timely budgetary approvals and proactive oversight, describing the legislature’s collaboration as instrumental in executing welfare-oriented projects across the Armed Forces. “Your commitment to understanding our challenges and ensuring adequate resource allocation has been pivotal,” he remarked.
General Musa extended special gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast commitment to military welfare, training, and operational readiness. He noted that the President’s continued support has significantly boosted morale and contributed to visible improvements in national security. “Mr President’s vision and encouragement remain the driving force behind our renewed dedication to excellence,” he added.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, commended the Defence Headquarters for its proactive leadership and the visible transformation in the welfare and infrastructural landscape of the Armed Forces. Representing the National Assembly and, by extension, the Nigerian people, Abbas described the newly commissioned projects as expressions of national gratitude to the gallant men and women safeguarding the country’s peace and unity.
“These physical assets represent more than concrete and steel,” the Speaker said. “They are living symbols of national commitment to the welfare, morale, and operational effectiveness of those who defend our republic. On behalf of the National Assembly and the Nigerian people, I salute the courage, discipline, and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. Many have paid the ultimate price, and we honour their memory with deep respect. To the wounded and those living with visible and invisible scars, Nigeria stands with you.”
Abbas noted that the Defence Headquarters’ focus on personnel welfare as a pillar of leadership was both strategic and commendable, stressing that no fighting force, regardless of equipment or doctrine, can achieve peak performance without decent accommodation, reliable infrastructure, and a humane work-life environment. “The projects we commission today are practical investments in morale, unit cohesion, and preparedness,” he stated.
He also contextualized the commissioning within Nigeria’s evolving security environment, noting that the nation continues to contend with complex threats including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, piracy, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime. Despite these challenges, he said, Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, which prioritizes modernization, intelligence sharing, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
The Speaker reaffirmed that the National Assembly remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces through robust oversight, adequate funding, and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, and sustainability. He disclosed that the legislature has approved allocations for platforms, communications, intelligence, reconnaissance, and force protection assets, as well as welfare and mental health support programmes.
He further called for sustainable maintenance of newly commissioned infrastructure, urging the Armed Forces to adopt preventive maintenance culture, adhere to standards, and leverage digital tools for asset tracking and management. “Our goal is to create enduring capabilities, not quick fixes,” he said. “When we invest in accommodation and infrastructure, we are investing in the families of our personnel, the unseen heroes who carry the burdens of service with dignity and pride.”
The Speaker commended the Chief of Defence Staff for championing welfare as a strategic pillar of combat readiness, emphasizing that leadership focus and compassion for troops’ wellbeing remain crucial to institutional effectiveness. “These projects stand as clear evidence that leadership matters. When welfare is treated as a priority rather than an afterthought, the entire defence system improves,” he asserted.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, senior officers, members of the National Assembly, civilian contractors, and families of personnel. Guests collectively praised the Defence Headquarters for translating its leadership philosophy into practical, people-centred outcomes that strengthen morale, foster unity, and enhance national security.
With these facilities, the Defence Headquarters reinforces its enduring message, that the heart of military strength lies not only in weapons or strategy but in the welfare, dignity, and readiness of the men and women who wear the uniform.
