The Nigerian Army has inaugurated 60 newly built housing units in Ibadan, Oyo State, with five percent allocated free of charge to soldiers who sustained life-altering injuries while serving the nation.
The housing project, located in Akobo area of Ibadan, comprises two- and three-bedroom flats developed under the Army’s Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Housing Scheme, a flagship welfare initiative aimed at improving post-service stability for personnel.
Beyond the free allocations for wounded soldiers, the Army also reserved 70 percent of the housing units for serving personnel at highly subsidised rates, reinforcing its commitment to troop welfare and morale.
The project was inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who described affordable housing as a cornerstone of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda in alignment with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to General Shaibu, the initiative reflects the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, stressing that access to decent housing directly impacts operational effectiveness, morale, and dignified retirement for personnel.
He explained that the AHOOAS scheme is designed to ensure that soldiers can own homes in locations of their choice before retirement, reducing post-service hardship and economic uncertainty.
The Army Chief revealed that the expansion of the scheme to Ibadan followed the success of its pilot phase in Idu, Abuja, where over 400 housing units were delivered. He added that similar projects are currently ongoing in Benin, Jos, Akwa Ibom, and other parts of the country, with plans underway to accelerate home ownership for Army Warrant Officers.
In addition to the housing units, a shopping complex developed by Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) was also inaugurated to support small businesses and boost economic activity for military families.
Speaking on the project details, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PHDL, Major General Isiah Alison, said the development consists of 30 two-bedroom flats for Non-Commissioned Officers and 30 three-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
He disclosed that while some of the houses were constructed at costs of up to ₦30 million, soldiers were able to purchase them for as low as ₦7.5 million, describing the initiative as a deliberate welfare intervention rather than a profit-driven venture.
General Shaibu commended the Oyo State Government for its consistent support to military formations and traditional institutions, urging other state governments to partner with the Army by providing land for future housing phases.
He also acknowledged Family Homes Funds Limited for its collaboration with the Nigerian Army in delivering 50 housing units for widows of fallen heroes, describing the effort as a critical step toward honouring the sacrifices of deceased personnel.
