The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has stressed the need for increased accommodation for soldiers with a view to boosting their morale and performance.

Speaking during the commissioning of the new Bola Ahmed Tinubu military barracks in Asokoro, he acknowledged the significant challenges the Army faces regarding accommodation, revealing that only 60% of personnel are currently housed in suitable facilities.

“We have a very huge challenge when it comes to accommodation. Forty per cent of the Army are not accommodated,” Lt. General Oluyede stated.

“These translate to accommodation for 614 personnel consisting of 170 officers and 444 soldiers and their families,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in addressing this issue. The President not only provided the necessary resources for the new barracks but also pledged further assistance to extend such developments to other states beyond Abuja.

“We are fortunate to have the support of Mr. President, who has promised to provide even more resources, not just for Abuja but for other states as well. We intend to do our best for our soldiers so they can perform their duties effectively,” the Army Chief said.

The commissioning of the new barracks is part of broader efforts to enhance the welfare of soldiers and ensure they are well-equipped to fulfil their responsibilities.

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He said that naming the new and modern army barracks after President Tinubu was just a humble way of giving honour to whom honour is due.

Oluyede said that it was an appreciation of his extraordinary support and commitment to improving the welfare and operational needs of the army, particularly in reducing its accommodation burden.

He said that the barracks project was initiated and executed by his predecessors Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahya and Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who recognised the critical need for additional accommodation for the increasing number of Nigerian Army establishments in Abuja.

Oluyede added that they both took the bold step to initiate the construction of the barracks.

“Today, we celebrate the visionary leadership and relentless efforts that created the foundation for us to complete and commission this project,” he said.