The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned newly constructed residential accommodation for officers and soldiers at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving personnel welfare as a critical pillar of operational effectiveness.
The newly commissioned facilities comprise official residences for the Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation and two Deputy Coordinators, five blocks of six flats for single officers, 27 senior non-commissioned officers’ quarters and 80 accommodation units for corporals and below.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the COAS described the projects as another major milestone in the Army’s efforts to build a stronger, more professional and welfare-oriented force.
“The commissioning of these residential facilities represents our commitment to the well-being of our personnel and their families. It is a practical demonstration of our resolve to improve the quality of life of officers and soldiers who continue to make enormous sacrifices in the defence of our nation,” he said.
The COAS said the provision of quality accommodation reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, noting that soldiers who are adequately housed and assured of their families’ well-being are better positioned to remain focused, disciplined and committed to operational duties.
“A soldier who is adequately catered for, properly accommodated and assured of his family’s well-being is better positioned to remain focused, disciplined and committed to accomplishing assigned tasks,” he stated.
He explained that the projects align with his command philosophy of “Soldiers First Culture,” which recognises that the strength and effectiveness of the Nigerian Army depend largely on the welfare, motivation and combat readiness of its personnel.
The Army Chief noted that the expansion of the Nigerian Army in response to prevailing security challenges has significantly increased the demand for accommodation across formations and cantonments, making infrastructure development a top priority.
According to him, beyond serving as residential facilities, the newly commissioned quarters will provide a conducive living environment that promotes dignity, comfort and improved morale for officers, soldiers and their families.
He assured personnel that the Nigerian Army would continue to initiate, execute and complete accommodation projects nationwide through prudent resource management, effective planning and strict project supervision to reduce the housing deficit in barracks.
“Let me assure all personnel of the Nigerian Army that the provision of accommodation will remain a top priority. We shall continue to initiate, execute and complete accommodation projects across our barracks and cantonments to reduce the housing challenges faced by our officers and soldiers,” he assured.
The COAS emphasised that infrastructure development remains central to the Army’s transformation agenda, stressing that operational success cannot be achieved without adequate support facilities.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Directorate of Procurement for demonstrating professionalism, accountability and transparency in the execution of the projects, urging all officers involved in infrastructure development to sustain the high standards displayed in delivering the facilities.
He also charged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the buildings by ensuring proper utilisation and maintenance, describing them as valuable national assets that must be preserved for future generations of Nigerian Army personnel.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for their sustained support and investment in the welfare and operational capability of the Nigerian Army.
He equally reassured officers and soldiers serving in various theatres of operations across the country that their welfare remains a top priority of his administration.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General J.R. Lar, described the commissioning as another significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s drive to improve personnel welfare through critical infrastructure development.
“Today’s commissioning gives practical expression to the Soldiers First Culture, which remains a key pillar of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy. The provision of quality residential accommodation not only enhances the welfare and morale of personnel but also strengthens operational readiness by providing a conducive environment for soldiers and their families,” he said.
He stated that the projects demonstrate the COAS’ unwavering commitment to addressing accommodation challenges in barracks, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory, noting that quality housing enhances morale, family stability and operational readiness.
Major General Lar commended the Directorate of Procurement, under the leadership of Major General S.Y. Yakasai, as well as consultants and contractors, for completing the projects to approved standards and within stipulated timelines. He assured the COAS that the facilities would be properly maintained and protected.
Providing an overview of the projects, the Director of Procurement, Major General S.Y. Yakasai, disclosed that more than 40 contracts had been completed under the current leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, while approximately 100 newly constructed and renovated residential and office facilities have been delivered across formations and establishments nationwide.
He explained that the projects have provided accommodation for more than 1,000 corporals and below, over 40 senior non-commissioned officers and their families, as well as more than 40 single officers.
“These structures are not merely buildings; they are homes designed to provide comfort and dignity for our soldiers, officers and their families. The successful completion of these projects is a testament to the strategic guidance and unwavering support of the Chief of Army Staff,” Yakasai said.
According to him, the infrastructure programme is designed to reduce accommodation deficits across Nigerian Army barracks while providing modern and functional facilities that enhance operational efficiency and personnel welfare.
Major General Yakasai noted that the newly commissioned buildings incorporate modern architectural designs and improved living standards different from traditional military residential structures, reflecting the Nigerian Army’s renewed focus on providing dignified accommodation for its personnel.
He added that the successful completion of the projects, some of which were awarded under the 2022 capital appropriation, demonstrates the Army’s commitment to transparency, accountability, prudent resource management and timely project delivery.
The ceremony featured the official commissioning of the projects, a guided tour of the facilities by the Chief of Army Staff and other senior officers, as well as the presentation of a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour.
