President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja, expressing his appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel.
During the event, the president praised the Nigerian military for its unwavering commitment to securing the nation from terrorism and criminal activities.
As the Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration, Tinubu expressed his satisfaction with the swift completion of the project, which bears his name. He recalled how the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, had approached him for support for the initiative. The president emphasized that the barracks project aligns with the federal government’s goal of improving troops’ welfare, ensuring they have proper office and residential accommodations to carry out their duties effectively.
Tinubu underscored the importance of providing for the military, stating that the government will continue to supply the necessary resources to support them in their fight against insecurity.
He said, further commending the Chief of Army Staff for his vision in bringing the barracks to fruition. The president also reiterated that the welfare of the troops would not be compromised and pledged ongoing support to enhance their living conditions.
He emphasized the need for continuous development and maintenance of the barracks, ensuring that the welfare of the men and women in uniform remains a top priority.
According to him, “You are our heroes and I thank you for what you have been doing for this country. I commend the Chief of Army Staff for his foresight in developing the remarkable barracks for our courageous men and women.
“We appreciate the officers and personnel who contributed in various ways to the timely completion of this project. Your welfare cannot and will not be compromised.
“We will continue to commit resources to improve your welfare. What you all are doing for us is extremely remarkable, it is appreciated and the only way we can show this is a continued support for our men and women in uniform.
“I congratulate all of you on this historic commissioning, making it a reality. What we must do is continuous development with right maintenance and commitment to the welfare of our men and women in uniform.”
Accompanying the president at the event were prominent government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; and Director General of the Department of State Services Adeola Ajayi, among others.
In his address, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede highlighted the critical accommodation challenges faced by the Nigerian Army, revealing that about 40 percent of personnel are without proper housing. He explained that the commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks represents the first two phases of a larger project designed to address these issues.
The completed phases include accommodations for 614 personnel, consisting of 170 officers and 444 soldiers, along with their families. The facilities also include worship centers, sports amenities, and a powerhouse. Additionally, external infrastructure such as a perimeter fence, multiple entrance gates, access roads, and landscaping were constructed to the highest standards.
General Oluyede acknowledged that while the new barracks offer significant improvements, the scale of the accommodation deficit in Abuja for the Nigerian Army remains substantial, and much more work is needed.
