COAS: Soldiers’ Welfare Non-negotiable, Central to Operational Effectiveness, Long-term Institutional Stability

. Charges 3,391 recruited soldiers to uphold discipline

Linus Aleke in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising the welfare, dignity and post-service security of its officers and soldiers, describing personnel’s well-being as central to operational effectiveness and long-term institutional stability.

Shaibu has also charged 3,391 newly recruited soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and patriotism as they begin their careers in military service.

He spoke in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he inaugurated a 60-unit Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Housing Estate, alongside a Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) shopping complex at Akobo.

He said the housing initiative was a concrete demonstration of the Army’s resolve to match welfare pledges with tangible action, stressing that sustained investment in personnel welfare remained critical to motivation, efficiency in service and stability after retirement.

Describing the projects as a practical expression of the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, the COAS noted that access to decent and affordable housing is vital to troop morale, operational efficiency and a secure transition into post-service life.

According to him, the AHOOAS scheme was deliberately designed to ensure soldiers retire with dignity, supported by the opportunity to own homes in locations of their choice.

Shaibu recalled that the pilot phase of the AHOOAS project at Idu, Abuja, delivered over 400 housing units, all of which are currently occupied by soldiers and their families.

He explained that the success of the pilot phase informed the expansion of the scheme to Ibadan, Benin, Jos, Akwa Ibom and other locations nationwide, adding that plans are also underway to fast-track home-ownership opportunities for Army Warrant Officers.

The COAS commended the Oyo State Government for its sustained support to military formations in the state and appreciated traditional institutions for promoting peace and cooperation.

He also lauded the management of PHDL for its professionalism in project delivery and acknowledged Family Homes Funds Limited for partnering with the Nigerian Army in the construction of 50 housing units for widows of fallen heroes.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PHDL, Major General Isiah Alison, disclosed that the Ibadan project comprises 60 housing units—30 two-bedroom houses for Non-Commissioned Officers and 30 three-bedroom houses for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.

He said five per cent of the houses were allocated free of charge to soldiers who sustained disabilities in the line of duty, while 70 per cent of the units were reserved for soldiers at highly subsidised rates.

Alison explained that houses constructed at costs of up to ₦30 million were sold to soldiers for as low as ₦7.5 million, describing the initiative as a deliberate welfare intervention rather than a commercial venture.

He added that similar housing projects are ongoing in other locations, alongside the development of service shopping complexes designed to support small businesses and stimulate local economic activities for soldiers’ families.

Meanwhile, Shaibu has also charged 3,391 newly recruited soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and patriotism as they begin their careers in military service.

The charge was delivered yesterday at the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo. 

The ceremony marked a significant milestone as it was the first Passing Out Parade since the establishment of the depot.

In a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS described the event as historic, noting that the graduating soldiers were the pioneer set of the Osogbo depot and therefore carried a unique responsibility to uphold its legacy.

He reminded the new soldiers that they were joining the Nigerian Army at a critical moment in the nation’s history, characterised by complex and evolving security challenges. 

He urged them to rely on the rigorous training they had received and to face future operations with confidence, courage and a determination to succeed rather than fear of failure.

“Our soldiers remain the core and enduring strength of the Nigerian Army. You will be provided with the tools and support required to succeed, but the nation will also expect much from you. Uphold the Army’s core values and cultivate the determination to excel in both your personal lives and military careers,” he charged.