The Managing Director of AKN and Associates Limited, Engineer Sani Umar, has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for prioritising the provision of quality accommodation for military personnel, following the completion and commissioning of a 30-family housing block at Mogadishu Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
Umar, whose company handled the construction of the housing project at Sunblock B, said the successful completion of the facility reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the living conditions of its personnel, particularly non-commissioned officers.
Speaking with journalists during the commissioning ceremony, the engineer expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion, noting that his company had delivered on the assignment in line with the Army’s requirements.
He explained that the project was designed to provide accommodation for personnel of the rank of Master Warrant Officer, corporal and below, while additional facilities were incorporated to improve comfort and functionality.
According to him, the Department of Procurement of the Nigerian Army played a significant role in ensuring that the project met the required specifications and quality standards.
Umar listed some of the additional features incorporated into the housing block to include marble-topped kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and well-finished toilets.
He said the improvements reflected the Army’s insistence on providing decent and quality accommodation for its personnel.
Although he declined to give a definitive account of the total project expenditure, Umar disclosed that the initial contract sum was approximately ₦250 million, adding that further details on the overall cost would be better provided by his company’s accountant.
The AKN and Associates managing director also revealed that his company was currently handling another similar housing project at the Mambilla Barracks extension in Abuja.
He said construction work on the new block had progressed to the first-floor stage, with work ongoing at the site.
Umar attributed the successful delivery of the Mogadishu Barracks project to the cooperation and support his company received from the Nigerian Army, particularly the Department of Procurement.
He maintained that the project was executed in accordance with the contractual agreement and specifications, expressing confidence that the quality of the completed facility would speak for itself.
The contractor further noted that similar military housing projects were being undertaken by other contractors across the country as part of broader efforts to address accommodation needs within the Armed Forces.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff for the initiative, saying sustained investment in military housing would contribute to improving the welfare of service personnel.
Umar reaffirmed his company’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, adding that the successful completion of the project was a source of satisfaction for his team.
The commissioning of the 30-family housing block forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to expand access to decent accommodation for its personnel.
