President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in Nigeria.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly built Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Abuja, the president referred to members of the Nigerian Army and other military personnel as heroes who work tirelessly to ensure the nation’s security.
“You are our heroes, and I thank you for what you have been doing for our country,” the president stated.
President Tinubu noted that his administration would remain unwavering in addressing the welfare needs of the armed forces. He expressed gratitude for their sacrifices and pledged to continue providing support to men and women in uniform.
“What you all are doing for us is extremely remarkable and appreciated, and the only way we can show this is through continued support for men and women in uniform,” he said.
The president also emphasized the importance of proper maintenance for the new facility, urging soldiers to uphold a culture of care for their living environment. He said, “What we must do is continuous development with the right maintenance and commitment to the welfare of our men and women in uniform.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, provided additional details about the new barracks, which he said will house 170 officers, 444 soldiers, and their families.
He revealed that the barracks include a total of 614 residential quarters, alongside three worship centers, sports facilities, and other infrastructure such as a perimeter fence, 15 entrance gates, and access roads.
However, Oluyede noted that the accommodation deficit remains a challenge, with approximately 40% of army personnel still lacking proper housing.
He explained, “Although this seems huge, with the scale of accommodation deficits the Nigerian Army faces in Abuja, this is only but just a drop in the ocean.”
He thanked President Tinubu for his dedication to improving the living conditions of military personnel.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa.
