President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commissioned the newly constructed Nigerian Army Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja. The state-of-the-art facility, named after the President, marks a significant milestone in efforts to improve the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian Army personnel as they fulfill their constitutional duty to defend the nation.

During the commissioning ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized that the project underscores the Federal Government's dedication to prioritizing the welfare of troops. He highlighted the importance of providing modern office spaces and residential accommodations to create a conducive environment for the officers and soldiers. The President reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to equipping the military with the resources needed to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Describing the troops as the nation’s heroes, President Tinubu praised their resilience and steadfastness in ensuring Nigeria’s security. He also commended the Army leadership for their vision and execution of the barracks project, as well as the collective contributions of all personnel who ensured its timely completion. He urged the Nigerian Army to maintain continuous development, proper maintenance of facilities, and a steadfast commitment to troop welfare.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his exceptional support for the Nigerian Army. He noted that naming the barracks after the President was a gesture of appreciation for his efforts to address accommodation challenges and strengthen the operational capacity of the Army.

Lt Gen Oluyede acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya and the late Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who initiated and pursued the project to address the critical housing needs of Army personnel. He revealed that phases 1 and 2 of the project have been completed, providing accommodation for 614 personnel, including 170 officers, 444 soldiers, and their families. He expressed optimism that phases 3 and 4 would be completed expeditiously with the continued support of the Federal Government.

The COAS pledged the Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and the Government, reaffirming its commitment to fostering national security and socio-economic development. He also called on the government and Nigerians to continue supporting the welfare of troops, whose dedication ensures a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

As part of the day’s activities, President Tinubu also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for an ultra-modern Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, further demonstrating the administration's commitment to strengthening the nation’s security infrastructure.

Onyema Nwachukwu

Major General 

Director, Army Public Relations

23 January 2025