COAS SOLDIER-FIRST COMMAND PHILOSOPHY DRIVES ENHANCED TROOP WELFARE, ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY AS NIGERIAN ARMY COMMISSIONS NEW FACILITY AT HQ NABC

COAS SOLDIER-FIRST COMMAND PHILOSOPHY DRIVES ENHANCED TROOP WELFARE, ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY AS NIGERIAN ARMY COMMISSIONS NEW FACILITY AT HQ NABC

In furtherance of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s Soldier First philosophy and commitment to improving the welfare, working environment and operational effectiveness of personnel, Headquarters Nigerian Army Band Corps (HQ NABC), Abalti Barracks, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, commissioned a newly constructed Quarter Guard Administrative Block. The facility comprises offices for the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Intelligence, Military Police (MP) and Escorts, alongside a Quarter Guard Changing Room and Guards’ Room.

The facility was commissioned on behalf of the COAS and Special Guest of Honour, Lieutenant General W Shaibu, by the Corps Commander Education (CC Edn), Brigadier General YD Ahmed, in compliance with the COAS directive for the commissioning of completed Nigerian Army projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The commissioning ceremony commenced with the presentation of the Quarter Guard to the COAS representative, who subsequently cut the tape and formally declared the facility open. In his remarks, Brigadier General YD Ahmed commended the leadership of HQ NABC for its vision, foresight and commitment to strengthening regimentation, enhancing institutional security and improving personnel welfare. He noted that the project reflects the COAS Command Philosophy, particularly its emphasis on putting soldiers first through improved administration, functional infrastructure and a conducive working environment.

The new facility is expected to enhance administrative coordination, reinforce security arrangements and provide personnel with a more functional environment for the effective discharge of their responsibilities. It further demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force through sustained investment in the welfare, institutional capacity and effectiveness of its personnel.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers from various Corps and formations, members of NAOWA and NASWA Band Chapter, notable civilian dignitaries, as well as officers and soldiers of HQ NABC. The Nigerian Army Military Band provided captivating musical interludes, adding colour to the occasion, which was successfully conducted without any incident.

David Yusuf Cham
Lieutenant
Acting Administrative Officer
Headquarters Nigerian Army Band Corps