Shaibu flags off phase 2 of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Abuja, reaffirms soldier-first policy
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday flagged off the construction of Phase 2 of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, describing the project as a major boost to the welfare and morale of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu, who spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony, said the project underscored the Nigerian Army’s strategic shift from short-term interventions to sustainable, long-term solutions to its accommodation challenges.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his “unflinching support and prompt intervention” toward the provision of decent and dignified housing for military personnel.
According to him, the new project is distinct from Phase 1 of the barracks, which was commissioned by the President on Jan. 23, 2025, and comes at a critical time when the Army is intensifying efforts to address acute accommodation shortages nationwide.
The army chief recalled that, during the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, he pledged that all ongoing residential accommodation projects across army barracks would be completed, while new ones would be initiated.
“As an immediate measure, I have also approved the construction of two units of 30-family blocks in each of the Nigerian Army divisions, in addition to ongoing renovation works across formations and units,” he said.
Shaibu, however, noted that renovation alone could not adequately meet the housing needs of personnel, stressing that the Phase 2 barracks project represented a more comprehensive and enduring solution.
He said the project aligned with his Command Philosophy, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
The COAS explained that the initiative was central to his “Soldier First Concept,” which prioritises the welfare and living conditions of officers and soldiers, adding that operational success was directly linked to the level of care and support given to troops.
Shaibu said the barracks was designed with the future operational environment in mind, noting that as troops are gradually drawn down from operational theatres, the facility would provide secure and dignified accommodation for returning personnel and their families.
Beyond housing, he said the project would enhance unit cohesion, strengthen force posture and serve as a strategic enabler of operational sustainability and readiness.
The army chief also emphasised the need to preserve all Nigerian Army lands for future barracks and infrastructure development, urging commanders to secure and protect army properties nationwide.
He directed the Nigerian Army Properties Limited to ensure that all land documents and certificates of occupancy were properly preserved and gazetted, stressing that future force deployment plans could not be realised without safeguarding army lands.
Shaibu commended the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects, and his team for the progress recorded at the site, and urged that the construction be executed rapidly in line with global best practices.
He reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of the Nigerian Army to President Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that support to the Army had continued to improve under the President’s leadership.
“The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Phase 2 symbolises our commitment to matching the sacrifices of our soldiers with tangible improvements in their welfare,” he said.
Shaibu thanked officers and soldiers for their resilience in the face of adversity and appreciated guests for attending the ceremony, wishing them safe journeys back to their destinations.
