Odita Sunday 
Matawalle opens 20-unit DIA housing estate, says decent homes boost troop morale
By Odita Sunday
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on Thursday commissioned a 20-unit one-bedroom staff accommodation built by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Nyanya, Abuja, saying decent housing remains critical to improving the welfare and efficiency of military personnel.
The project, the Ministry of Defence said, is part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to bridge the accommodation gap and improve the welfare of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking during the commissioning, Matawalle declared that housing remains a top priority of the Federal Government.
According to him, “Accommodation remains one of the most critical needs of our personnel. A comfortable home is not a luxury but a necessity. It provides peace of mind, enhances morale, and improves efficiency and dedication to duty.”
He explained that quality accommodation would not only improve the welfare of officers and men but also strengthen morale, operational efficiency and commitment to duty.
The minister praised the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, describing the housing project as “a laudable intervention and a reflection of remarkable achievements recorded by the Agency under his leadership.”
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces and for prioritising the welfare of troops and their operational effectiveness.
Matawalle assured the Defence Intelligence Agency of the Ministry’s continued backing in delivering on its national security mandate.
He also warned beneficiaries against neglecting the new facility, charging them “to ensure its proper maintenance,” while stressing that “responsible use would guarantee its longevity and continued service to personnel.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, expressed appreciation to Matawalle for personally commissioning the accommodation, describing his presence as “a demonstration of commitment to the welfare of DIA personnel.”
Undiandeye equally thanked President Tinubu for his support to the agency and reaffirmed “the loyalty and commitment of the Management and Personnel of the Agency to the service of the nation.”
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