The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, has commissioned a newly constructed 20-unit one-bedroom staff accommodation built by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Nyanya, Abuja, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to an official statement signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart (CIO), for Director Information and Public Relations, the project is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at addressing the accommodation deficit and enhancing the welfare of military personnel.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Matawalle described decent and comfortable accommodation as a critical component of personnel welfare, noting that quality housing would boost morale, operational efficiency and commitment to duty.
He said accommodation remains one of the most important needs of military personnel, stressing that a comfortable home is not a luxury but a necessity because it provides peace of mind, enhances morale and improves efficiency and dedication to national service.
The Minister commended the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, for initiating the project, describing it as a laudable intervention and a reflection of the remarkable achievements recorded by the Agency under his leadership.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces and for prioritising the welfare and operational effectiveness of troops.
As the supervising Minister of the Defence Intelligence Agency, Dr. Matawalle assured the Agency of the Ministry’s continued support in advancing its mandate and strengthening national security.
He further urged beneficiaries of the accommodation to ensure proper maintenance of the facility, noting that responsible use would preserve its value and enable it to serve personnel for many years.
The Minister later unveiled the facility by cutting the ceremonial tape before inspecting the newly completed accommodation.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, thanked the Minister for personally commissioning the project, describing his presence as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of DIA personnel.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Defence Intelligence Agency and reaffirmed the commitment and loyalty of the Agency’s management and personnel to the service of the nation.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Coordinator of the Defence Intelligence Agency Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Jane Undiandeye, Directors of the Agency, senior military and civilian personnel, Regimental Sergeant Majors, soldiers and other staff of the Agency.
