The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing projects that directly enhance the welfare of troops and their families, as he commissioned newly renovated accommodation facilities at 15 Field Engineer Regiment Topo Barracks and 243 Reconnaissance Battalion Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, Lagos.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya Acting Deputy’ director army public relations,81 division Nigerian army said the commissioning ceremony which was held on Friday, 19 June 2026, underscores the COAS’ “Soldier First” concept and his determination to improve the living conditions of personnel across the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at 15 Field Engineer Regiment, the COAS represented by the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General Muhammad Abdullahi stated that the provision of decent and adequate accommodation remains a key pillar of his Command Philosophy, stressing that troops welfare is fundamental to operational effectiveness, morale, discipline and productivity.
He expressed satisfaction with the completion of the projects, comprising four Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) quarters and four Single Officers’ Quarters, noting that the facilities would significantly improve the quality of life of personnel.
Describing the renovated buildings as strategic investments in the welfare and well-being of officers and soldiers, the COAS explained that the project was undertaken to address longstanding accommodation challenges within the regiment. He urged beneficiaries to imbibe a strong maintenance culture to preserve the facilities for future generations.
In his remarks at the ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, described the projects as part of several welfare initiatives being executed by the COAS across the Division. He noted that the 81 Division has benefited immensely from the COAS’ welfare-driven leadership and expressed confidence that the facilities would positively impact the lives of personnel and their families.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commanding Officer, 15 Field Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel AE Amangele, expressed profound appreciation to the COAS for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to personnel welfare and continuous efforts toward improving officers and soldiers’ living conditions in Topo Barracks. He also commended the GOC 81 Division for his guidance and support, which contributed significantly to the successful execution of the project.
Similarly, at 243 Reconnaissance Battalion, the COAS commissioned additional renovated accommodation comprising seven blocks of 12-family Corporals and Below Quarters (CBQ) and two semi-detached two-bedroom SNCO quarters. Again, represented by the Commander Corps of Signals, the COAS emphasized that providing conducive accommodation for troops is not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic necessity that enhances operational effectiveness, discipline, morale and productivity. He noted that a well-accommodated soldier whose family is comfortable is better motivated to perform assigned duties with dedication and professionalism.
The COAS also appreciated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and its welfare programmes. He further thanked the Government and people of Lagos State, as well as the host communities in Badagry, for their sustained cooperation and support to the Nigerian Army.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commanding Officer, 243 Reconnaissance Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ikoro, expressed gratitude to the COAS for his numerous welfare interventions and steadfast commitment to improving the living conditions of soldiers and their families in Ibereko Barracks.
The commissioning ceremonies attracted military commanders, traditional and community leaders, heads of security agencies in Badagry, senior officers, soldiers and their families, among other dignitaries.
The events culminated in the planting of commemorative trees, presentation of souvenirs, signing of the Visitors’ Book and group photographs.
