By Matthew Otabe
The Nigerian Army has commissioned newly constructed residential accommodation for military personnel and their families, alongside the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Finance Battalion, as part of efforts to improve personnel welfare, administrative efficiency and operational readiness.
The projects were commissioned on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Mogadishu Barracks and other military barracks, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Special Services, Major General Aminu Garba.
The commissioning coincided with the first anniversary of Lieutenant General Shaibu’s assumption of office as Chief of Army Staff.
Speaking through his representative, Shaibu said the projects reflected his commitment to transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, well-equipped and motivated force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
He noted that operational effectiveness on the battlefield depended not only on military equipment and training but also on the quality of accommodation, working environments and welfare support available to personnel.
According to him, providing decent accommodation for soldiers and their families, alongside modern administrative facilities, would enhance morale, improve productivity and strengthen the Army’s overall operational capability.
“The relationship between living standards, workplace environment and operational capability is direct and undeniable. Soldiers who are well-housed, whose families are secured in decent accommodation, and who operate from modern, fully equipped office facilities will inevitably perform their duties with greater focus, pride and efficiency,” he said.
The Army Chief explained that the residential facilities were designed to provide personnel with dignified living conditions, supported by essential infrastructure, including road networks, security fencing and other amenities necessary for a healthy and secure environment.
He described the projects as investments in the Army’s human resources, stressing that the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families remained central to building an effective military institution.
Shaibu urged the beneficiary formations and personnel to cultivate a strong maintenance culture to ensure the facilities remained functional and served future generations.
He also charged commanders to hold occupants accountable for the proper use and upkeep of the buildings, adding that the improved infrastructure should translate into greater administrative efficiency and commitment to ongoing military operations.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, force expansion and personnel welfare.
He also acknowledged the contributions of relevant departments, project supervisors, contractors and other stakeholders towards the successful completion of the projects.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of Procurement at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General A.S. Fidelis, who represented the Director of Procurement, said the projects formed part of the Army’s broader infrastructure development programme aimed at addressing accommodation shortages and improving working conditions across its formations and establishments.
Fidelis explained that the facilities included residential quarters and office infrastructure at Mogadishu Barracks, Lungi Barracks and Mambilla Barracks, as well as the Nigerian Army Finance and Administration Battalion office complex.
He disclosed that the wider infrastructure projects delivered additional accommodation for more than 1,200 personnel of the rank of corporal and below, over 70 senior non-commissioned officers and their families, as well as more than 50 single and married officers.
According to him, the projects demonstrated the Army leadership’s determination to translate approved budgetary commitments into tangible improvements in personnel welfare and institutional capacity.
He said some of the projects were awarded under the 2024 capital appropriation, adding that their completion reflected the importance of effective planning, coordination, supervision and timely execution.
The Deputy Director of Procurement reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, value for money and the delivery of infrastructure that meets approved standards and the operational needs of the Nigerian Army.
He also urged the beneficiaries to take responsibility for the proper maintenance of the facilities, noting that the resources invested in their construction must be protected through responsible management.
The Contractor handling the project, Engr. Emmanuel Kayode Ogwuride described the edifice as qualitative with modern rooms facilities for the comfort of the soldiers.
According to him a better accommodation for the military remains their priority in delivery modern structures..
FirmNews reports that the commissioning ceremony featured the formal handover of the completed facilities to the Army for use by designated personnel and their families.
The development is expected to contribute to reducing the Army’s accommodation deficit while providing improved working environments for personnel responsible for administrative and financial operations.
The Nigerian Army said the infrastructure projects were part of continuing efforts to strengthen personnel welfare, improve institutional capacity and enhance the effectiveness of its formations and units nationwide.
