The Nigerian Army has officially commenced the construction of new accommodation facilities designed to house approximately 1,800 personnel in Abuja, reflecting a renewed commitment to improving troop welfare and operational efficiency.
The ground-breaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, was presided over by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu. Addressing military and civilian guests, Shaibu described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to address the pressing accommodation challenges faced by army personnel across the country.
“As I highlighted during the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 last week, all ongoing residential projects in our barracks will be completed as planned, and new projects will be initiated to meet our growing needs,” Shaibu said. He explained that, as an immediate response to the shortage of housing, he had recently approved the construction of two 30-family unit blocks in each Nigerian Army Division. These additions complement ongoing renovations across various army formations and units.
The COAS clarified that the new barracks, officially designated as Phase II of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, is a completely new facility distinct from Phase I, which was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on January 23, 2025. He noted that the project represents a shift from short-term solutions to a sustainable, long-term approach to improving living conditions for personnel and their families.
“This initiative is central to our ‘Soldier First Concept,’ which prioritizes the welfare and well-being of our officers and soldiers. Operational success is directly linked to the care and support provided to those entrusted with the defense of our nation,” Shaibu said. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his prompt support in providing dignified and secure housing for army personnel.
The new barracks have been designed to accommodate both returning troops and their families, particularly as operations in various areas achieve their objectives and phased troop drawdowns occur. Shaibu emphasized that the facility will enhance unit cohesion, boost morale, and strengthen overall force readiness, making it a strategic enabler for the army’s long-term operational sustainability.
Maj.-Gen. Bayode Adetoro, Coordinator of Army Special Services and Programmes, highlighted that the Phase II project aligns with the COAS’s soldier-first command philosophy. He said the approach prioritizes comprehensive welfare initiatives, including housing, healthcare, education, family support, and post-service reintegration, all aimed at sustaining loyalty and morale within the force.
Phase I of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks currently accommodates 614 personnel and has set the standard for subsequent housing projects. The commencement of Phase II represents a significant expansion of the army’s housing infrastructure and reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving living standards for its personnel.
Construction of the new facility is expected to incorporate modern design features, security measures, and family-friendly amenities, ensuring personnel and their families can live in a safe and dignified environment.
This development comes as part of the Nigerian Army’s broader effort to enhance operational effectiveness while prioritizing the well-being of its personnel, a move that military officials say will positively impact morale, retention, and overall force readiness.
The Nigerian Army has started building new modern barracks in Abuja for 1,800 personnel, boosting welfare, operational efficiency, and troop morale.
