By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged commanders at all levels to ensure the protection and preservation of all Nigerian Army lands across the country, describing land security as a strategic necessity for future force expansion and operational readiness.
The Chief of Army Staff gave the charge at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Phase Two of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja. He stressed that as the strength of the Nigerian Army continues to grow, safeguarding landed properties for additional barrack infrastructure is critical to the effective implementation of the Army’s order of battle and long-term force positioning.
Lieutenant General Shaibu directed the Nigerian Army Properties Limited to ensure that all Army land documents, including certificates of occupancy, are properly preserved and gazetted, noting that failure to secure these assets could undermine future development plans. He emphasized that preserving Army lands and infrastructure must be treated as a core strategic responsibility by all commanders.
Speaking on the project, the COAS said the Phase Two barracks project represents a shift from short-term interventions to a sustainable, long-term solution to the accommodation challenges faced by officers and soldiers. He disclosed that while renovation works are ongoing across formations, the Army has also approved the construction of 30-family accommodation blocks in each division as a stopgap measure to address current housing deficits.
According to him, the new barracks, distinct from Phase One commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 23, 2025, has been designed with future operational realities in mind. When completed, it will accommodate returning troops and their families in a secure and dignified environment, enhance unit cohesion, strengthen force posture, and serve as a strategic enabler of operational sustainment and combat readiness.
Lieutenant General Shaibu, noted that the project aligns with his “Soldier First” command philosophy, which prioritizes the welfare and living conditions of personnel, while also contributing to urban development and socio-economic growth in host communities. He commended the Coordinator of Nigerian Army Special Projects and his team for the progress recorded on the site and urged that construction be executed swiftly in line with global best practices.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects, Major General Bayode Adetoro, said Phase Two of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks is projected to provide accommodation for about 1,800 personnel. He explained that the project builds on the success of Phase One, which provided housing for 614 personnel, and reflects the COAS’ commitment to welfare pillars covering housing, healthcare, education, family support, and post-service reintegration.
The event was attended by Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, senior officers both serving and retired, representatives of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, captains of industry, and members of the media.
The highlight of the ceremony was the laying of the symbolic foundation block by the Chief of Army Staff, marking the formal commencement of construction works on the project.
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