By LAZARUS ZAKAA
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, commissioned 110 new family houses for Corporals and below and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking during the commissioning, the COAS said the houses show that the Army truly practices the “Soldier First Concept.” He explained that when soldiers and their families live well, they will be more focused, more committed, and ready for duty at all times.
“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,” Gen Shaibu told the beneficiaries, adding that taking care of soldiers and their families is key to making the Army strong and ready for any task.
Earlier, the Director of Procurement, Major General Sadisu Yakasai, urged the beneficiaries to keep the houses clean and maintain them well so they can last long. The projects were constructed by the Directorate of Procurement. According to the Director, the project comprises 52 buildings in 21 blocks with 10 different modern designs. It includes one- and two-bedroom flats for 80 soldiers. There are also three-bedroom flats and twin houses for 30 SNCOs. Each flat has a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, and toilet.
The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar, also thanked the COAS for remembering the junior ranks. He told the families to see the new estate as their own and protect it.
The commissioning underscores the Nigerian Army’s resolve to provide modern, functional, and sustainable accommodation for its personnel, reinforcing the belief that a motivated and well-cared-for soldier remains indispensable to the effective discharge of the Army’s constitutional mandate.
