COAS Commissions NAWLG Luxury Estate in Lagos, Urges Soldiers to Plan for Retirement
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned the Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee (NAWLG) Luxury Estate in Yaba, Lagos, urging military personnel to embrace home ownership and prudent financial planning for life after service.
Shaibu commissioned the estate on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, describing the project as a significant milestone in promoting sustainable investment opportunities, quality housing and long-term welfare for serving and retired personnel.
He said the estate represents a forward-looking investment model that brings together military personnel, retired officers and civilian investors to provide housing and strengthen financial security.
The COAS noted that the peculiar demands of military service, including frequent postings and operational deployments, often make it difficult for personnel to establish permanent family residences.
According to him, adequate preparation for retirement is therefore essential to ensure that personnel transition into civilian life with stability and independence.
He commended officers who demonstrated foresight by investing in the estate and encouraged serving personnel to embrace early financial planning and home ownership.
Shaibu said the estate's mixed ownership structure was deliberately designed to accommodate both military and civilian subscribers, stressing that the project was not intended to create another barracks.
Rather, he said, it was conceived as a modern, socially integrated and commercially sustainable community where military and civilian homeowners could live together.
The COAS explained that the arrangement would help retiring personnel gradually integrate into wider society, establish meaningful relationships beyond the military environment and strengthen civil-military relations through everyday interaction.
He said the project aligned with his Command Philosophy, particularly the pillar of Sound Administration, and complemented his Soldier First Concept, which links personnel welfare, motivation and institutional effectiveness.
While reaffirming the Army's commitment to providing accommodation for serving personnel, Shaibu stressed the importance of legitimate personal investments capable of securing their future.
He charged the management of NAWLG to maintain transparency, accountability, sound financial management and strict compliance with commercial and regulatory standards to protect subscribers' investments.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his strategic guidance and support to the Nigerian Army.
He commended NAWLG leadership, developers, consultants and investors for bringing the project to fruition.
Shaibu congratulated the homeowners and expressed hope that the estate would provide comfort, peace and harmonious coexistence for its residents.
