The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, said that making adequate provision for the welfare of soldiers and their families would positively impact troops morale towards effective delivery of service.
Yahaya said this during the commissioning of some completed projects for the Nigerian Army Signals (NAS) and NA Cantonment, Apapa (Arakan barracks) which on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that projects commissioned consisted of two blocks of 2 x storey buildings of 30 one-bedroom flats each for the soldiers and a 3-bedroom bungalow for the NAS Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).
Also, three blocks of twin 5 x bedroom maisonette each for HQ NAS Directors were also commissioned.
The COAS said the projects were symbolic because they would enhance welfare of troops and provide conducive environment for personnel of the Nigerian Army Signals in the discharge of their roles.
According to him, this is in line with his vision to have “a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Army will not relent in ensuring that the infrastructure in the barracks are modernised and befitting for personnel and their family members.
“I charge officers and soldiers to remain committed to their duties and perform their jobs professionally as well as ensure maximum utilisation and maintenance of the infrastructure commissioned,” he said.
Yahaya applauded the Commander, Corps of Signals, Maj.-Gen. Abiodun Owolabi, for initiating the projects and effectively supervising them to their completion.
“This is an indication of his commitment to the wellbeing of his personnel and their dependants.
“The buildings commissioned will help to reduce the accommodation challenges faced by Nigerian Army Signals officers and soldiers serving in Lagos.
“I once again urge you to take good care of these facilities, so that they will serve the purpose for which they were constructed,” the COAS said.