Follow Us on Google
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has promised to improve the welfare of serving and retired personnel of the Nigerian Army.
He also pledged to continue supporting initiatives that enhance institutional resilience and align the Nigerian Army with broader national development objectives.
Gen Shaibu, who gave the charge at the commissioning of the Post-Service Housing Development Limited Shopping Complex in Abuja, also tasked the management of the organisation to ensure transparency, accountability and timely execution of projects.
The COAS, while noting that the new shopping complex is designed to serve residents of adjoining barracks, improve service delivery and stimulate economic activity within army estates and host communities, commended the management and staff of Post-Service Housing Development Limited for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the project.
“I encourage you to sustain this momentum while ensuring transparency, accountability, timely execution and effective supervision of all projects under your charge,” he said.
The COAS, who described the event as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to the holistic welfare of its serving and retired personnel, said this commitment is pursued through deliberate policies, prudent resource management and the provision of enabling infrastructure that enhances quality of life and supports orderly community living.
“It reflects our resolve to ensure that welfare initiatives are not only well intentioned, but also properly managed, supervised and sustained.
“It is our expectation that this complex will serve not only as a commercial hub but also as a catalyst for local enterprise and employment generation,” he said.
While promising to continue to support initiatives that enhance institutional resilience and align the Nigerian Army with broader national development objectives, the COAS said that while quality construction is essential, long-term value ultimately depends on how facilities are managed and used.
Other News
The COAS noted that the safety and sustainability of the facility will depend largely on effective management, strict compliance with regulations and responsible use by all stakeholders. He urged allottees to remain safety-conscious, comply strictly with established guidelines and take collective responsibility for the protection of lives and property.
Earlier in his address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General Isaiah Allison, said the completion of the project underscores collective commitment to purposeful development, institutional growth and sustainable investment within the armed forces community.
He said that in driving the project to completion, the organisation prioritised operational efficiency, safety and user experience.
To enhance safety and operational sustainability, he explained, a professional facility manager has been engaged to oversee security, cleanliness and general facility management.
He stated that the decision was reinforced by a recent burglary incident in which installed items were vandalised.
He therefore said comprehensive security and safety infrastructure has been installed in the complex.
“Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are fully operational, and modern fire safety systems have been installed, including fire detection systems and portable fire extinguishers. The facility is, therefore, fully fire-ready,” he said.
He added that to guarantee uninterrupted power supply, a 750 KVA transformer and a 500 KVA generator have been installed.
“This centralised power solution is designed to eliminate the proliferation of private generators, thereby significantly reducing fire hazards within the complex,” he said.
