COAS unveils new barracks project, pledges improved welfare for soldiers

Official portrait of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. Photo: Nigerian Army

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated the construction of Phase 2 of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja, as part of efforts to address accommodation challenges facing Nigerian Army personnel.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Shaibu said the project was aimed at improving the morale and welfare of soldiers and their families.

Shaibu said the new project was separate from Phase 1 of the barracks, which was inaugurated in January 2025, and marked a shift from temporary fixes to long-term solutions to accommodation deficits in army formations.

He stated that the initiative aligned with his command philosophy, focused on building a professional and resilient force, as well as his “Soldier First Concept,” which prioritises troop welfare.

According to him, the barracks would also support future operational plans by providing secure living spaces for personnel returning from deployment.

“The project is also in tandem with my commitment to the welfare of all Nigerian Army personnel and in fulfilment of my Command Philosophy which aims “to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment”. This initiative is also central to my “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. 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, ” he said.

The army chief directed commanders to safeguard Nigerian Army lands nationwide for future infrastructure development and asked the Nigerian Army Properties Limited to secure relevant land documentation.

The Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Bayode Adetoro, said Phase 2 of the project would provide accommodation for about 1,800 personnel when completed.

He explained that Phase 1 currently accommodates 614 personnel and was commissioned on January 23, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu.

Adetoro said the project was designed to support the Chief of Army Staff’s welfare agenda, which focuses on housing, healthcare, education, family support, and post-service reintegration for personnel.

He acknowledged the support of the Army headquarters staff, partners, consultants, and the Nigerian Army Properties Limited in executing the project.

“You may recall that Phase I of this laudable project, which provides accommodation for 614 personnel, was successfully completed and commissioned on 23 January 2025 by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu

“In this second phase, we are projecting the provision of accommodation for about 1,800 personnel, a significant expansion that will further address housing needs within the Nigerian Army, ” he said.

The Nigerian Army is expanding its housing infrastructure in Abuja to reduce accommodation pressure on personnel and improve troop welfare.

The latest initiative is the launch of Phase 2 of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Asokoro.

The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

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