The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday inaugurated 114 new housing units at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising troops’ welfare.

The projects comprise the Nigerian Army Aviation Coordinator’s residence, two deputy coordinators’ residences, 30 single officers’ flats, 27 senior non-commissioned officers’ quarters and 80 corporals and below quarters.

Mr Shaibu said that the project reflected his command’s philosophy of “Soldier First Culture,”which places personnel welfare at the centre of operational effectiveness.

According to him, adequately accommodated and motivated personnel are more focused, disciplined and better prepared to accomplish assigned missions.

He said the Nigerian Army would continue investing in accommodation and other critical infrastructure to address the growing housing deficit across barracks and cantonments.

The COAS assured officers and soldiers that welfare would remain a top priority through prudent resource management, effective planning and strict project supervision.

He urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities, describing them as valuable national assets that must be preserved for future generations.

Mr Shaibu also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Nigerian Army through sustained investments in personnel welfare and operational capabilities.

Earlier, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. John Lar, said the projects demonstrated the COAS’ commitment to improving soldiers’ living conditions.

Mr Lar said quality accommodation would boost morale, strengthen operational readiness and improve the wellbeing of personnel and their families.

Also speaking, the Director of Procurement, Maj.-Gen. Sadisu Yakasai, said the army completed more than 40 hard procurement contracts, 29 soft procurement projects and about 100 construction and renovation projects nationwide.

He said the completed infrastructure provided accommodation for more than 1,000 corporals and below, over 40 senior non-commissioned officers and more than 45 officers.

Mr Yakasai said the projects would significantly reduce accommodation shortages while enhancing operational efficiency, personnel welfare and overall combat readiness. 

(NAN)