By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, commissioned a newly constructed Officers’ Transit Accommodation at Life Camp, Abuja, as part of 11 projects inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 38 others across Nigerian Army formations and units nationwide.
The projects are aimed at addressing critical accommodation and infrastructure needs, improving personnel welfare and enhancing operational efficiency.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the projects underscore the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to providing a conducive living and working environment for officers, soldiers and their families, recognising that improved welfare and functional infrastructure are essential to morale, administrative effectiveness and operational readiness.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, General Shaibu said the projects align with his Command Philosophy, particularly the pillars of Sound Administration and the Soldier First Concept, which places personnel welfare at the heart of building a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
He noted that adequate accommodation and essential infrastructure are critical to strengthening morale, boosting productivity and enhancing the Army’s capacity to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
The COAS charged officers who will occupy the transit accommodation to maintain the facility and uphold the highest standards of discipline and responsibility. He reaffirmed his resolve to sustain investments in welfare and infrastructure across formations, while expressing appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, the Chief of Logistics (Army), Major General Adekunle Adeyinka, explained that the transit accommodation was designed to address temporary accommodation challenges faced by officers posted to Army Headquarters and other formations in Abuja.
He said the facility comprises well-furnished, self-contained apartments equipped with modern amenities to provide comfortable accommodation for officers awaiting permanent allocation.
As part of his visit, the COAS inspected ongoing infrastructure projects within Life Camp, including additional accommodation blocks, road rehabilitation and drainage works. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work and directed contractors to adhere strictly to approved timelines and specifications.
In a separate event on the same day, General Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of personnel and their families, declaring that comprehensive and quality healthcare remains fundamental to troop morale and operational readiness.
He stated this while unveiling the newly constructed Headquarters, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
The COAS emphasised that investing in healthcare services goes beyond treating illnesses, noting that the physical well-being of personnel and their families is essential to maintaining a healthy, motivated and combat-ready force. He stressed that access to responsive and quality medical services would enhance operational effectiveness and reassure soldiers that their well-being remains a priority.
He commended the Medical Corps for its dedication to providing medical support during military operations, routine healthcare services and humanitarian interventions across the country. He noted that the new headquarters would strengthen administrative coordination and improve delivery of medical services.
General Shaibu urged the Corps to maximise the opportunities provided by the new facility to promote innovation, professionalism and responsive healthcare, in keeping with his Command Philosophy.
Earlier, the Corps Commander Medical, Brigadier General Innocent Ewunchola, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his visionary leadership and sustained investment in medical infrastructure. He assured that the Corps would remain committed to providing efficient, accessible and quality healthcare to all eligible beneficiaries while ensuring proper maintenance of the facility.
