By Elizabeth Tanko
Benin-City, Nigeria – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of personnel beyond active service, with the commissioning of 40 housing units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) in Benin City, Edo State.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele on Friday, 6 November 2026.
The COAS stated that providing decent and affordable accommodation for soldiers and their families remained a critical component of his Soldier-First Command Philosophy, stressing that the Army’s responsibility to its personnel should not end with their retirement from active service.
He noted that soldiers who dedicate their productive years to defending the nation deserve a secure and comfortable future after meritorious service.
The COAS expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and commitment to improving the welfare of personnel.
He noted that the President’s support had continued to facilitate initiatives aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational capacity, expanding its formations and improving the living conditions of soldiers and their families.
He assured that the Nigerian Army would remain committed to translating the President’s support into tangible improvements in personnel welfare, professional effectiveness and national security.
The commissioning, he averred, further demonstrates that as the Nigerian Army expands its formations, strengthens its manpower base and enhances its operational capabilities, equal attention is being accorded to the welfare, dignity and future of its personnel.
Through AHOOAS, the Army continues to reinforce the principle that service to the nation must be matched with enduring care and support, even after retirement.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General KO Ukandu, described AHOOAS as a major pillar of the Nigerian Army’s welfare intervention, designed to provide personnel with opportunities to own decent and affordable homes while in service and secure their families’ future after retirement.
He commended the COAS for his sustained support and commitment to the initiative, while appreciating the joint venture partners, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project. He also acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, Major General I.A. Allison, towards its completion.
The 40 housing units comprise 20 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom semi-detached flats, supported by essential infrastructure, including a 14,000-litre elevated water tank, 450 metres of paved access roads, solar-powered streetlights, a perimeter fence and a 300KVA transformer to guarantee a functional and secure residential environment.
A significant feature of the AHOOAS initiative is the reservation of five per cent of the housing units for soldiers who sustained severe injuries in the line of duty.
This provision reflects the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to recognising the sacrifices of wounded personnel and ensuring that those who paid a heavy price in the defence of the nation are not neglected after service.
This represents another milestone in the nationwide expansion of AHOOAS. Previous deliveries include 400 housing units in Idu, Abuja, 60 units in Akobo, Ibadan, and 80 units in Jos. Construction of 20 units is ongoing in Bauchi, while 120 three-bedroom units under Phase Two of the Idu project have attained 95 per cent completion, with work also progressing on Phase Three.
