The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to soldiers’ welfare with the inauguration of 40 affordable housing units in Benin City.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Friday in Abuja.

The COAS stated this on Friday at the inauguration of the housing units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) in Edo State.

Mr Shaibu said decent and affordable accommodation for soldiers and their families remained central to his Soldier-First command philosophy.

He stressed that the army’s responsibility to personnel should not end with their retirement, noting that soldiers who devoted their productive years to defending the nation deserved a secure future.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening operational capacity and improving personnel welfare.

According to him, the President’s support has facilitated the expansion of army formations, enhanced operational capabilities and improved the living conditions of soldiers and their families.

Mr Shaibu assured that the army would continue to translate that support into tangible improvements in personnel welfare, professional effectiveness and national security.

He said the inauguration demonstrated that the army’s expansion and operational development would go hand in hand with attention to its personnel’s welfare, dignity and future.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post-Service Housing Development Ltd., Maj.-Gen. Maj.-Gen. Kevin Ukandu, described AHOOAS as a major pillar of the army’s welfare intervention.

Mr Ukandu said the initiative was designed to enable personnel to own decent and affordable homes while in service and secure their families’ future after retirement.

He commended the COAS for his sustained support, while appreciating the joint venture partners, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders for delivering the project.

He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Isaiah Allison, towards its completion.

According to him, the 40 housing units comprise 20 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom semi-detached flats, supported by essential infrastructure.

He said the facilities included a 14,000-litre elevated water tank, 450 metres of paved access roads, solar-powered streetlights, perimeter fencing and a 300KVA transformer.

“A significant feature of the AHOOAS initiative is the reservation of five per cent of the housing units for soldiers who sustained severe injuries in the line of duty.

“The provision is intended to recognise the sacrifices of wounded personnel and ensure that they are not neglected after service.

“The project adds to the nationwide expansion of AHOOAS, following the delivery of 400 housing units in Idu, Abuja, 60 in Akobo, Ibadan, and 80 in Jos,” he said.

Mr Ukandu said construction of 20 units was ongoing in Bauchi, while 120 three-bedroom units under Phase Two of the Idu project had reached 95 per cent completion.

He stated that work was also progressing on Phase three of the Idu housing project. 

(NAN)