Why I prioritise welfare of troops — General Shaibu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has offered reasons why he prioritises the welfare of troops.

The Eagle Online recalls that Shaibu, who assumed office last year, listed as a top priority troops’ welfare in his command philosophy.

Speaking with media executives in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, he said: “Troops’ welfare remains a cornerstone of my command philosophy, firmly anchored in our ‘Soldier First’ approach.”

The COAS, who spoke during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), added: “We recognise that morale is a decisive force multiplier in military operations. 

“Therefore, the well-being of our personnel and their families is directly linked to operational effectiveness. 

“In practical terms, we have undertaken extensive barracks construction, renovation, and infrastructural upgrade projects across all six geopolitical zones to improve living conditions for troops and their families. 

“These projects span key locations, including Plateau, Lagos, Lokoja, Gusau, Benin, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Niger, Abuja, and Maiduguri. 

“Notably, ongoing developments such as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Phase II in Abuja are at an advanced stage and will significantly address accommodation gaps upon completion. 

“In addition, the Affordable Housing Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS), introduced as a long-term housing solution, has recorded considerable progress. 

“The pilot phase in Idu, Abuja has delivered over 400 housing units, all currently occupied by personnel and their families. 

“Building on this success, the scheme is being expanded to other major cities, including Ibadan, Benin, Jos, Gombe, and Akwa Ibom, thereby ensuring that both serving and retired personnel, especially those wounded in action, have access to decent and affordable housing at almost no cost. 

“Beyond accommodation, we have strengthened healthcare delivery, educational support, and insurance coverage for personnel and their dependents. 

“Under the Group Life Assurance Scheme, we have cleared outstanding backlogs, ensuring that families of fallen heroes receive their entitlements promptly. 

“Furthermore, the Education Sponsorship Scheme has supported over 15,000 children of deceased personnel across all levels of education as of May 2026. 

“We have also prioritised the welfare of wounded personnel through enhanced medical care and rehabilitation support, while recent increments in pay and allowances reflect a more responsive and inclusive welfare framework. 

“Collectively, these initiatives are designed to improve the overall quality of life of our personnel, boost morale and reinforce their commitment to duty. 

“Our approach underscores a fundamental principle, that every soldier is a critical national asset whose welfare must be safeguarded to sustain a professional, motivated and combat-ready force.”