The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare with the commissioning of new residential facilities at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri.
The project is part of a nationwide effort to reduce accommodation shortages, improve living conditions for personnel and strengthen operational readiness under the Army’s “Soldier First” policy.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said infrastructure development, personnel welfare and operational readiness remain central to the Army’s transformation agenda.
According to him, “A well-accommodated and motivated soldier is better prepared to remain disciplined, focused and combat-ready in increasingly demanding operational environments.”
Shaibu noted that the expansion of the Army in response to evolving security challenges has increased demand for accommodation and supporting infrastructure, making sustained investment in welfare a priority. He assured personnel that housing development would continue through prudent resource management, effective planning and strict project supervision.
Providing an overview of the projects, the Director of Procurement, Major General Sadisu Yakasai, said the Giri facilities are part of a broader programme to modernise military infrastructure across the country.
He disclosed that since the current Army leadership assumed office, more than 40 hard procurement contracts, 29 soft procurement projects and about 100 newly constructed or renovated residential and office facilities have been completed nationwide.
Yakasai said the projects have expanded accommodation capacity for more than 1,000 corporals and below, over 40 senior non-commissioned officers and their families, as well as several single and married officers.
He explained that modern accommodation contributes to morale, institutional stability and operational sustainability, while supporting employment opportunities within barracks communities.
Earlier, the Commander of Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar, described the commissioning as evidence of the Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of personnel.
He said expanding accommodation provides officers, soldiers and their families with a more secure and dignified living environment while addressing long-standing housing challenges.
The newly commissioned facilities include the official residence of the Nigerian Army Aviation Coordinator, residences for two deputy coordinators, five blocks of six-flat single officers’ quarters, 27 senior non-commissioned officers’ quarters and 80 corporals and below quarters.
Army authorities urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities, describing them as national assets that will help strengthen welfare, administrative efficiency and military readiness.
