The Nigerian Army has expanded its Soldier-First welfare agenda with the commissioning of 80 housing units under the Nigerian Army Affordable Home Ownership Scheme in Jos.
Commissioning the projects, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu said, the delivery of new housing and training infrastructure, forms part of effort to boost personnel welfare as a strategic investment in operational effectiveness, combat readiness and national security.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Army Chief described affordable housing as a deliberate investment in the welfare, morale and professional fulfilment of personnel.
He noted that soldiers who enjoy stable living conditions are better positioned to carry out the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the welfare of personnel and their families remains a key pillar of his command philosophy, adding that the Army has continued to improve living conditions across its formations.
He disclosed that, in addition to the 80 housing units commissioned in Jos, 60 units were delivered last year, while another 120 and 40 units are scheduled for commissioning in Abuja and Benin, respectively.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by personnel injured in active service, the COAS announced that five percent of the newly commissioned housing units have been reserved for soldiers wounded in action, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the Army’s enduring commitment to personnel who have made significant sacrifices in the defence of the country.
He urged the beneficiaries to maintain the facilities, noting that home ownership provides stability, promotes responsibility and serves as a lasting reward for dedicated service.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General Isaiah Alison, commended the Army leadership for prioritising the welfare of personnel. He also disclosed that additional housing projects are underway to extend the initiative to more soldiers across the country.
As part of the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu also commissioned newly completed trainee hostels and convenience facilities at the 3 Division Training School, reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen training infrastructure while improving personnel welfare to enhance operational readiness.
