The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday unveiled 30 family accommodation units at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accommodation comprises two blocks of two-bedroom family quarters for personnel of the rank of Corporal and below.
Shaibu said the provision of decent accommodation remained a key component of personnel welfare and effective administration under his command philosophy.
He said the wellbeing of soldiers and their families had a direct bearing on morale, motivation and operational effectiveness.
The COAS explained that the intervention had become more important as the Nigerian Army continued to expand its force structure and operational reach.
He stressed that the growth of the Army must be matched with corresponding investment in infrastructure and welfare facilities to support personnel and their families.
According to him, Ribadu Cantonment accommodates several Nigerian Army establishments, adding that the additional housing units would help reduce pressure on existing accommodation.
He charged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper use, cleanliness and maintenance.
Shaibu further disclosed that similar accommodation projects were ongoing in barracks and cantonments across the country as part of efforts to rehabilitate ageing infrastructure and provide additional facilities.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, t, for his continued support and provision of resources towards improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian Army personnel.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, commended the COAS for facilitating the project.
Wase said the commissioning of the quarters was another milestone in the Army’s efforts to improve the living standards of its personnel and promote regimental pride.
He said decent accommodation would boost troops’ morale and enable them to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.
The GOC said accommodation challenges had remained a significant concern across formations and units, adding that the intervention would provide relief to personnel and their families.
He urged the beneficiaries to take absolute ownership of the facilities by maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper upkeep.
Wase also appreciated the technical team and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
He pledged the division’s continued commitment and loyalty to the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.