On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu told the Nigerian Armed Forces that his administration will never compromise the welfare of troops.
He committed to continue providing whatever was required to make the troops’ jobs easier, as well as to commit more resources to their well-being.
The President addressed during the inauguration of the Bola Tinubu Barracks in Abuja.
Tinubu stated, “Knowing that the Federal Government is always willing to give what our troops require to carry out their responsibilities is critical for winning battles.
“You are our heroes, and I am grateful for what you have done for our country. Your welfare cannot (will not be compromised). We will continue to devote resources to improving your situation. What you’re all doing for us is truly extraordinary and appreciated, and the only way we can show it is by continuing to support men and women in uniform.”
He therefore charged them with ensuring proper maintenance culture to retain the accommodation.
“What we must do is continuous development with right maintenance and commitment to the welfare of our men and women in uniform.”
In his speech, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, lamented that more than 40% of Nigerian Army personnel are still unaccommodated.
He stated, “Your Excellency may recall that when you assumed the position of Chief of Army Staff, one of the important issues on the table before you was the fact that around 40% of Nigerian Army soldiers are not accommodated. The project being inaugurated today is simply phases one and two of the original plan.”
According to Oluyede, there are 614 accommodations in the barracks.
He stated, “Specifically, the proposal includes 16 Major General Quarters, 17 Beginner General Quarters, 3 by 20 Family Major to Colonel Quarters, 30 by 20 Family Lieutenant to Captain Quarters, and 60 by 30 Family Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Quarters.
“Others include 6 by 30 Family Corporal and Below Quarters and 40 by 21 Corporal and Below Quarters. These equate to accommodation for 614 people, including 170 officers, 444 troops, and their families.
“The barracks also have three worship centers, sports facilities, and a powerhouse. The perimeter fence with 15 entrance gates, gatehouses, umbrellas, groundwater supply facilities, access road networks, and hard and soft landscaping are all high-quality structures. Although this appears big, with the scale of accomodation deficits the Nigerian Army faces in Abuja.
