COAS COMMISSIONS MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN ASOKORO BARRACKS, HARPS ON TROOPS WELFARE

COAS COMMISSIONS MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN ASOKORO BARRACKS, HARPS ON TROOPS WELFARE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has on Thursday, 29 October 2026, reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare, reiterating that the wellbeing of officers, soldiers and their families remains a priority. He made this known during the commissioning of newly constructed residential and administrative facilities at Mogadishu Cantonment, Lungi Barracks, Mambila Barracks and Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment.

The COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Major General Aminu Garba, stated that the projects marked another milestone in his commitment to transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, well equipped and welfare oriented force. He noted that operational excellence depended not only on battlefield capabilities but also on decent accommodation and a conducive working environment for personnel.

He further said that the new facilities are designed to provide dignified living conditions and improved working environments that would enhance personnel morale, focus and efficiency. He added that the Army remained committed to providing modern accommodation with essential supporting infrastructure, including reliable utilities, security facilities and road networks, to ensure sustainable living conditions for personnel and their families.

Lieutenant General Waidi urged benefiting formations, commanders and occupants to cultivate a strong maintenance culture and ensure proper use and preservation of the facilities. He stressed that the projects were executed with public resources and warned that failure to maintain them would undermine their intended purpose. He further charged personnel to maximise the improved working conditions to strengthen administrative readiness and support ongoing military operations.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director Procurement, Army, Major General Sadisu Yakasai, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his sustained commitment to improving personnel welfare and ensuring timely completion of infrastructure projects across Army formations and establishments. Represented by Deputy Director Procurement and Hard procurement Brigadier General Abayomi Fidelis, the Director noted that the facilities reflected the practical implementation of the Soldier First philosophy, adding that decent accommodation provides security and dignity for families, peace of mind for personnel and renewed confidence in the institution. He also commended the principal staff officers, commanders, project supervisors, contractors and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the projects.

Giving his vote of thanks, the Commander Army Headquarters Garrison Major General John Lar who was represented by the Chief of Staff, AHQ Garrison, Brigadier General Peter Elayo expressed profound appreciation to the COAS for his strategic vision and sustained support, describing the projects as a tangible demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s Soldier First philosophy.

He commended the Directorate of Procurement, the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, project consultants, contractors and other stakeholders for their diligence, professionalism and commitment to quality delivery and value for money. Major General Lar urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities, maintain them responsibly and preserve the infrastructure for future generations of Nigerian Army personnel.

Highlights of the projects commissioned include a block of 30 one-bedroom family quarters for corporals and below at Mogadishu Cantonment; a block of 31 one-bedroom family quarters at Lungi Barracks; a block of one-bedroom family quarters at Mambila Barracks; and an office complex for Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance and Administration Battalion at Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment.