COAS orders swift completion of barracks housing

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed the immediate and speedy completion of all ongoing residential accommodation projects in Nigerian Army barracks across the country to tackle persistent housing shortages among personnel.

Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Abuja.

He said improving the welfare of troops, particularly in the area of accommodation, remains a key priority of his leadership.

According to him, the initiative builds on the efforts of previous Chiefs of Army Staff and reflects his commitment to addressing long-standing housing challenges within the Army.

“In line with our welfare commitments to Nigerian Army personnel, I will continue to build on the efforts of past Chiefs of Army Staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation shortages,” he said.

The COAS disclosed that all ongoing housing projects would be completed and allocated without delay, while new residential developments would be initiated across Army divisions and barracks nationwide.

He added that extensive renovation works would also be carried out in existing barracks as an interim measure.

“As a stopgap measure, the Nigerian Army will invest in a comprehensive spread of renovation works in all our barracks,” he stated, noting that despite progress, significant accommodation gaps still exist and require sustained intervention.

Shaibu also emphasised the importance of post-service housing, assuring that the Army would continue to support soldiers and officers after retirement to ensure dignity and stability.

“With all these efforts aimed at addressing existing accommodation shortfalls, we will also continue to secure post-service housing for our soldiers and officers,” he said.

He announced plans to commission the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project for soldiers and the Post-Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.

The COAS assured that under his leadership, post-service housing would remain a top priority, with particular attention to completing ongoing projects.

He expressed confidence that the housing initiatives would significantly ease accommodation challenges for serving and retired personnel.

Shaibu commended the Chief of Logistics (Army) and other commanders for their support and reaffirmed his resolve to address accommodation challenges “head-on with all the seriousness it deserves.”