COAS commissions new officers’ quarters in Kaduna, vows better welfare for troops

By James Ike

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned newly completed blocks of flats for officers at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna, as part of efforts by the Nigerian Army to improve the welfare and living conditions of its personnel and their families.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Shaibu said decent accommodation remained a critical component of personnel welfare and an important factor in boosting the morale and operational effectiveness of troops.

A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the accommodation project was initiated and constructed under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.

According to the statement, the project was part of sustained efforts to address the accommodation needs of Nigerian Army personnel and enhance their overall wellbeing.

The COAS commended General Oluyede for his foresight and commitment to providing quality infrastructure for officers and soldiers, noting that the project was consistent with the Army’s broader welfare objectives.

Shaibu said personnel provided with conducive living conditions would be better positioned to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, dedication and renewed commitment.

He assured officers and soldiers that Army Headquarters would continue to invest in infrastructure across formations and units in a bid to progressively reduce the accommodation deficit and improve the quality of life of personnel and their families.

Following the commissioning, the COAS inspected ongoing construction of additional accommodation facilities for soldiers within Ribadu Cantonment. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work, directing engineers and contractors to maintain the standards and ensure strict compliance with approved timelines.

Shaibu further reiterated the Army leadership’s commitment to prioritising personnel welfare, infrastructure development and training, which he described as critical enablers of operational effectiveness and institutional resilience.

He urged beneficiaries of the newly commissioned accommodation to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities, while charging them to uphold discipline, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.