Army Chief orders immediate completion of barracks housing projects nationwide

Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has directed the immediate completion of all ongoing residential accommodation projects across Nigerian Army barracks nationwide, reaffirming troop welfare as a central pillar of his leadership.

Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday in Abuja while delivering his closing remarks at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, a forum that brought together senior commanders to review operations, administration, and welfare issues within the force.

He said improving the living conditions of officers and soldiers, particularly access to decent housing, remains a top priority, stressing that his administration would build on the efforts of previous chiefs of army staff to address long-standing accommodation deficits in military barracks.

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“In line with our welfare commitments to all Nigerian Army personnel, I shall continue to build on the efforts of past chiefs of army staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation shortages,” the army chief said.

According to him, all residential projects currently under construction in army formations and barracks across the country must be completed and allocated without delay.

He added that new housing developments would also be initiated in divisions and barracks nationwide to meet the growing needs of personnel.

Shaibu further disclosed that the army would embark on extensive renovation and upgrading of existing residential facilities as an interim measure to ease pressure on accommodation while new projects are being developed.

While acknowledging that progress has been made in recent years, the COAS admitted that significant gaps still exist in meeting housing needs for personnel, noting that sustained and coordinated intervention would be required to close the deficit.

He also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to post-service housing, describing it as essential to guaranteeing dignity, stability, and social security for soldiers and officers after retirement.

As part of ongoing efforts to expand housing access, Shaibu announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday to commission the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project for soldiers, alongside the Post-Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex.

He expressed confidence that the housing initiatives would significantly ease accommodation challenges for both serving and retired personnel, while also contributing to morale, discipline, and operational effectiveness.

The COAS commended the Chief of Logistics (Army) and other commanders involved in the conception and execution of the housing projects, urging sustained professionalism and accountability in the delivery of welfare-related programmes.

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