The Nigerian Army has inaugurated 40 affordable housing units in Benin City, Edo State, as part of efforts to improve soldiers’ welfare and provide long-term housing security for their families.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, inaugurated the homes on Friday under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS).
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.
Shaibu said decent and affordable accommodation for soldiers and their families remained central to his Soldier-First command philosophy.
He stressed that the Army’s responsibility to personnel should extend beyond retirement, noting that soldiers who dedicated their productive years to defending the country deserved a secure future.
The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening operational capacity and improving personnel welfare.
According to him, the President’s support has facilitated the expansion of Army formations, enhanced operational capabilities and improved the living conditions of soldiers and their families.
Shaibu assured that the Army would continue translating the support into practical improvements in personnel welfare, professional effectiveness and national security.
He said the inauguration demonstrated that military expansion and operational development would go hand in hand with attention to personnel welfare, dignity and future security.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Ukandu, described AHOOAS as a major pillar of the Army’s welfare programme.
Ukandu said the initiative enables personnel to own decent and affordable homes while in service and secure their families’ future after retirement.
He commended the COAS for his sustained support and appreciated the joint venture partners, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders involved in delivering the project.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Isaiah Allison, towards completing the development.
According to Ukandu, the 40 housing units comprise 20 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom semi-detached flats.
The development also features a 14,000-litre elevated water tank, 450 metres of paved access roads, solar-powered streetlights, perimeter fencing and a 300KVA transformer.
Ukandu said AHOOAS reserves five per cent of its housing units for soldiers who sustained severe injuries while serving the country.
He explained that the provision recognises wounded personnel’s sacrifices and ensures they receive support beyond their years of active service.
The Benin development adds to the nationwide expansion of AHOOAS, following the delivery of 400 housing units in Idu, Abuja, 60 in Akobo, Ibadan, and 80 in Jos.
Ukandu disclosed that construction of another 20 units was ongoing in Bauchi.
He added that 120 three-bedroom units under Phase Two of the Idu housing project had reached 95 per cent completion, while work was progressing on Phase Three.
The Army said the housing initiative reflects its commitment to improving accommodation and long-term welfare for serving personnel and their families.
