Army Chief Orders Completion of Barracks Housing, Unveils Training Reforms, Post-Service Accommodation Drive
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the speedy completion of all ongoing residential accommodation projects in Nigerian Army barracks nationwide, as part of a broader reform agenda that also targets training, operations and troop welfare.
Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Abuja, attended by senior military leaders, including Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps and Theatre Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders and heads of Army establishments.
He said improving troop welfare, particularly accommodation, remained a core priority of his command philosophy and a continuation of efforts by previous Chiefs of Army Staff.
“In line with our welfare commitments to all Nigerian Army personnel, I shall continue to build on the efforts of past Chiefs of Army Staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation shortages,” Shaibu said.
The COAS disclosed that all ongoing housing projects across Army formations would be completed and allocated promptly, while new residential projects would be initiated across divisions and barracks nationwide. As an interim measure, he said the Army would embark on a comprehensive programme of renovation works in existing barracks to improve living conditions for troops and their families.
Despite progress recorded so far, Shaibu acknowledged that significant accommodation gaps still existed, requiring deliberate and sustained intervention.
Beyond in-service accommodation, the Army Chief reaffirmed his commitment to post-service housing for soldiers and officers, stressing that retirement should not translate into hardship or uncertainty.
“With all these efforts aimed at addressing existing accommodation shortfalls, we will continue to strike a balance by also securing post-service housing for all our soldiers and officers,” he said.
He announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday for the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project for soldiers, alongside the Post-Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex.
“Under my watch, the post-service housing needs of all our soldiers will remain a top priority, with due attention to the completion of ongoing projects,” Shaibu assured.
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On training and operations, the COAS pledged a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigerian Army’s training architecture to align with evolving security threats and modern warfare realities.
According to him, the annual conference provided a platform for a frank assessment of the Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, and helped shape priorities for the coming year.
“It is gratifying that the past few days have been filled with robust and engaging interactions on administration, training and operations of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Shaibu announced that Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would soon commence a holistic review of curricula across all Nigerian Army schools, with emphasis on realistic, mission-specific training.
“My grand plan for the total overhaul of our schools’ training curriculum will be codified, as realistic training directly influences operational outcomes,” he said.
He added that greater focus would be placed on the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation to enhance operational effectiveness, particularly in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
The COAS noted that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented at the conference underscored the increasing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, driven by evolving insurgent tactics, regional instability and global shifts in the character of warfare.
“This evolving threat spectrum necessitates enhanced capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, as well as cyber operations,” he said, stressing the need for continuous learning, innovation and technological integration within the Army.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for sustained political support, especially in military hardware and software procurement, which he said remained critical to operational success.
He also commended the Chief of Logistics (Army), the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and other commanders for their contributions, describing the conference as highly impactful.
The COAS said the Nigerian Army was entering a phase of deliberate and purposeful reform anchored on realistic training, improved welfare and enhanced operational capability, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
By PRNigeria
