By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, on Tuesday, 28 January 2026, commissioned the Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) Shopping Complex in Asokoro, Abuja, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its serving and retired personnel as well as sustainable community development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the project as part of the Nigerian Army’s deliberate and long-standing efforts to promote the holistic welfare of its personnel through sound policies, prudent resource management and the provision of enabling infrastructure. He said the shopping complex was designed to serve residents of neighbouring Army barracks, enhance service delivery, and stimulate legitimate economic activities within Army estates and host communities.
According to the COAS, the facility is expected to function not only as a commercial hub but also as a catalyst for local enterprise development and job creation. He noted that the project reflects the Army’s resolve to ensure that welfare initiatives are not only well-conceived but also properly supervised, managed and sustained in line with national development objectives.
While commending the quality of construction, the Army Chief emphasised that the long-term value and safety of the facility would depend largely on effective management, strict adherence to regulations and responsible usage by all stakeholders. He therefore urged all allottees and users of the complex to remain safety-conscious, comply with established guidelines and take collective responsibility for the protection of lives and property.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also commended the management and staff of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, under the leadership of both the immediate past and current Managing Directors, for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the project. He encouraged them to sustain the momentum while upholding transparency, accountability, timely execution and effective supervision of all projects under their care.
The COAS further acknowledged the support and enabling environment provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that such support has been instrumental to the successful execution of welfare-oriented initiatives within the Armed Forces. He expressed appreciation to partners, stakeholders and invited guests for their contributions to the successful completion of the project.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General Isaiah Allison, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in PHDL’s drive toward purposeful development and sustainable investment within the Armed Forces community.
Major General Allison acknowledged the strategic guidance and support of the PHDL Board of Directors and commended the immediate past Managing Director, Major General J. D. O’Malley, under whose tenure the project was initiated. He explained that since assuming office in February 2025, priority had been placed on operational efficiency, safety and user experience to ensure timely completion of the complex.
He disclosed that a direct access route from the expressway had been created to improve accessibility, while a professional facility manager had been engaged to oversee security, cleanliness and general facility management. He added that comprehensive security measures, including operational CCTV cameras and modern fire safety systems, had been installed, making the facility fully fire-ready.
To ensure uninterrupted power supply and reduce fire hazards, the PHDL Managing Director revealed that a 750 KVA transformer and a 500 KVA generator had been installed as a centralised power solution. He also highlighted the provision of adequate parking space, the relocation of tricycle and taxi operators to an alternative site behind the complex, and the construction of a public convenience facility to promote environmental hygiene.
Major General Allison further announced that another PHDL shopping complex in Warri would be commissioned soon, underscoring the organisation’s broader expansion drive. He assured shop owners that revised allocation letters would be issued following minor shop mergers carried out to enhance functionality, adding that the facility was ready for fitting and occupation.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior military officers, members of the PHDL Board of Directors, representatives of sister services, contractors, joint venture partners and members of the media.
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