An army cannot be expected to deliver excellence on the battlefield while its personnel contend with avoidable challenges in their workplace and living environment
By Moses Okorie
The Nigerian Army has inaugurated more than 200 newly constructed and renovated residential, office and training facilities across its formations, units and establishments to improve personnel welfare and operational effectiveness.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this during the inauguration of selected projects at Life Camp and Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
Shaibu said the projects were part of efforts to address accommodation deficits, improve working conditions and strengthen the Army’s institutional capacity amid evolving security challenges.
He stressed that decent accommodation and functional workplaces were essential to personnel motivation, effective command, timely decision-making and operational readiness.
“An army cannot be expected to deliver excellence on the battlefield while its personnel contend with avoidable challenges in their workplace and living environment,” he said.
The Army chief added that investments in infrastructure would support the military’s expanding force structure and enhance its ability to respond effectively to contemporary security threats.
He urged commanders and beneficiaries to ensure proper use, accountability and regular maintenance of the facilities, describing them as valuable institutional assets funded with public resources.
Shaibu also commended President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, as well as Army departments, directorates, contractors and other stakeholders involved in completing the projects.
Earlier, the Chief of Logistics, Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka, said the Army had completed the projects since Shaibu assumed office.
Adeyinka explained that the facilities covered accommodation, training and operational infrastructure, alongside educational, recreational and utility facilities. He noted that similar projects were being inaugurated concurrently in other formations and barracks nationwide through representatives of the COAS.
The inaugurated projects include a 30-unit transit officers’ accommodation at Life Camp, official accommodations for CCM and CEME, and the Headquarters Nigerian Army Military College office complex at Giri.
Others include 30-family Corporals and Below Quarters, Nigerian Army Aviation Command AD Quarters and the Headquarters Nigerian Army School of Communication office complex.
The Army said the infrastructure programme was aimed at improving living and working conditions, strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing combat effectiveness.