Kaduna, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has inaugurated four blocks of 120 refurbished flats and a 60,000-litre solar-powered borehole for soldiers stationed at Ribadu Cantonment, Kotoko Barracks in Kaduna.
The project was officially commissioned by Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shu’aibu, represented by the Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters, Major General Isa Abdullah. The initiative is part of the ongoing Soldier First Culture and the COAS Command Philosophy, both aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of military personnel and their families.
Major General Abdullah described the development as a significant milestone in the army’s welfare programme, highlighting it as a reflection of the leadership’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of troops across the country. He noted that the housing units had previously been in a state of disrepair, with some structures uninhabitable due to damaged roofing and poor facilities.
The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Major General Abubakar Wase, who oversaw the project’s execution, was praised for ensuring its timely completion. The COAS urged beneficiaries to take full ownership of the facilities by maintaining them properly and preventing vandalism, stressing that such responsibility would encourage further welfare interventions.
The newly commissioned accommodation includes 120 housing units and a solar-powered borehole capable of supplying 60,000 litres of water daily, ensuring a reliable water source within the barracks. The army leadership reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising personnel welfare through the provision of decent accommodation and essential services, with the expectation that improved living conditions will boost morale and operational efficiency among troops.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior military officers and principal staff from the 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna.
