The Nigerian Army has commenced the construction of modern accommodation facilities for about 1,800 personnel in Abuja as part of renewed efforts to improve troop welfare and operational effectiveness.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, performed the ground breaking of the project on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the project was part of the collective effort to improve the morale and welfare of officers and soldiers.

Mr Shaibu said the project came at a time when the Nigerian army was making renewed efforts to tackle the acute accommodation challenges being faced by personnel across the nation.

“As I stated last week during the Closing Ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, all ongoing residential accommodation projects in our barracks will be completed in good time while new ones will be initiated.

“Also, as a stopgap measure to directly address the current dearth of accommodation, I recently approved the construction of 2-units of 30-Family blocks in each of the Nigerian Army Divisions.

“This is in addition to ongoing renovation works across Nigerian Army formations and units.

“However, we recognise that renovation alone cannot sufficiently meet the housing needs of our personnel.

“Consequently, this ground-breaking ceremony we are witnessing today is an entirely new barracks, distinct from Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Phase 1 which was commissioned by Mr President on 23 January 2025,” he said.

The COAS said the move reflects a strategic shift from short-term intervention to a sustainable long-term approach in addressing accommodation needs.

According to him, this initiative is also central to “Soldier First Concept”, which seeks to deliberately prioritise the welfare and living conditions of our officers and soldiers.

“It is worth reiterating that my soldier first concept is premised on the understanding that operational success is directly linked to the level of care and support provided to those entrusted with the defence of our beloved nation,” he added.

The army chief thanked Mr Tinubu for his unflinching support and prompt intervention towards the provision of decent and dignified housing for personnel.

According to him, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Phase II has been designed with the future operational environment in mind.

“As ongoing operations achieve desired outcomes and we commence a phased draw down of troops from operational areas, this barracks, when completed, will provide the capacity to accommodate returning personnel and their families in a secure and dignified environment.

“Beyond addressing our accommodation needs, this barracks will enhance unit cohesion and strengthen our overall force posture.

“It therefore represents a strategic enabler of operational sustainability and force readiness,” he said.

The coordinator, Army Special Services and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Bayode Adetoro, said the project followed the successful completion of Phase I, which provides housing for 614 personnel and was commissioned on January 23, by Mr Tinubu.

Mr Adetoro said the Phase II project aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s soldier-first command philosophy, which prioritises welfare initiatives such as housing, healthcare, education, family support and post-service reintegration to sustain morale and loyalty within the force. 

(NAN)