Odita Sunday 
COAS Commissions 110 New Family Houses for Soldiers, Reinforces ‘Soldier First’ Welfare Policy
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned 110 newly constructed family houses for Corporals and below as well as Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, declaring that improved welfare remains central to building a motivated and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, was announced in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the housing project underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of its personnel through the provision of modern and functional accommodation.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the housing initiative reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to its “Soldier First Concept,” stressing that quality accommodation plays a critical role in enhancing morale, commitment and operational effectiveness.
According to the COAS, soldiers who live in decent conditions with their families are better positioned to remain focused, dedicated and prepared to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“Decent accommodation is not a luxury. It is what keeps your morale high and your mind at rest so you can face your job squarely,” he said, adding that investing in the welfare of soldiers and their families is fundamental to strengthening the Army’s readiness for all assigned tasks.
Earlier, the Director of Procurement, Major General Sadisu Yakasai, urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the houses by ensuring proper maintenance to preserve the facilities for years to come.
He disclosed that the project, executed by the Directorate of Procurement, consists of 52 buildings arranged in 21 blocks featuring 10 modern architectural designs.
The estate provides one- and two-bedroom flats for 80 soldiers, alongside three-bedroom flats and twin houses for 30 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, with each apartment equipped with a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen and toilet facilities.
Also speaking, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar, commended the Chief of Army Staff for prioritising the welfare of junior personnel and encouraged residents to treat the estate as their own by protecting and maintaining the facilities.
The Nigerian Army said the project reflects its determination to provide sustainable and modern accommodation for personnel, reaffirming its belief that a motivated and well-cared-for soldier remains indispensable to the effective discharge of the Army’s constitutional mandate.
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