In a significant revelation that underscores the Nigerian military’s welfare challenges, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed that over 40% of the Nigerian Army personnel lack proper housing. This statement was made during the inauguration of the newly constructed ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks’ in Asokoro, Abuja, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
At the event, COAS Oluyede highlighted the acute shortage of accommodation as one of the critical issues he inherited upon taking office. “Your Excellency may recall that on the assumption of the office of the chief of army staff, one of the critical issues on the table before you was the fact that about 40 percent of Nigerian army personnel are not accommodated,” he stated in the presence of President Tinubu.
The new barracks, named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is only a partial solution to the housing crisis. The project includes 16 Major General Quarters and 17 Brigadier General Quarters, among others, providing space for 614 personnel, consisting of 170 officers and 444 soldiers and their families. Despite this development, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede emphasized that this is just a drop in the ocean compared to the extensive accommodation deficits the Nigerian Army faces.
The COAS commended President Tinubu for his commitment to addressing this long-standing issue, ensuring that personnel in the army have access to affordable, decent, and befitting accommodations. “These translate to accommodation for 614 personnel consisting of 170 officers and 444 soldiers and their families,” Oluyede noted, detailing the specifics of the newly inaugurated housing units.
The situation of army personnel without proper housing has broader implications for morale, operational readiness, and the overall welfare of the military community. The barracks inaugurated today are part of phases one and two of a larger plan aimed at reducing the accommodation burden on the military.
The Nigerian Army’s housing shortage is not an isolated problem; it reflects similar challenges faced by other branches of the military in Nigeria. The Army’s focus on improving living conditions for its personnel is part of a strategic effort to enhance operational effectiveness by ensuring that soldiers are not only well-equipped but also well-cared for.
The inauguration of the Tinubu Barracks is seen as a step in the right direction, but there remains a significant push for ongoing investment to tackle this crisis fully. The Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is committed to continuing the fight against insecurity while simultaneously ensuring the welfare of its personnel is not neglected.
This announcement serves as a call to action for policymakers, urging them to prioritize and fund projects that will provide housing solutions for the thousands of army personnel still awaiting proper accommodations.
