The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has disclosed that over 40% of Nigerian Army personnel are without adequate accommodation.
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the newly constructed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja, Oluyede highlighted the pressing housing deficit within the military, emphasizing its impact on operational efficiency and personnel welfare.
“Your Excellency may recall that on assuming office as the Chief of Army Staff, one of the critical issues before you was the fact that about 40% of Nigerian Army personnel are not accommodated,” Oluyede said.
He noted that the shortage of housing remains a significant challenge as the army continues efforts to combat insecurity nationwide and reintegrate frontline troops into barracks.
The newly inaugurated barracks project, covering phases one and two of its original design, includes:
- 16 Major General Quarters,
- 17 Brigadier General Quarters,
- 3×20-family units for Majors to Colonels,
- 30×20-family units for Lieutenants to Captains,
- 60×30-family units for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers,
- 6×30-family units for Corporals and below, and
- 40×21-unit quarters for other ranks.
In total, the facility provides accommodation for 614 personnel, including 170 officers and 444 soldiers, along with their families.
Oluyede praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to enhancing the welfare of military personnel by providing affordable and decent housing. Naming the barracks after President Tinubu, he explained, was a gesture of appreciation for his unwavering support for the Nigerian Army’s welfare and operational needs.
The COAS also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahya and the late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who initiated the barracks project to address the growing housing demands of army personnel in Abuja.
“Today, we celebrate the visionary leadership and relentless efforts that created the foundation for us to complete and commission this project,” Oluyede added.
