The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its personnel with the commissioning of 80 housing units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Estate in Jos, Plateau State.
The housing estate, developed by Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), is part of the Army’s long-term strategy to provide affordable housing for serving and retired personnel, ensuring that soldiers enjoy dignity, stability and security beyond active service.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the Army Chief described the project as another major milestone in the Nigerian Army’s welfare programme, noting that every soldier deserves the opportunity to own a home after years of dedicated service to the nation.
“It is with profound gratitude to Almighty God and a deep sense of honour that I am here today to witness the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers scheme in Jos. This is yet another significant milestone in our effort to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and create a future in which every soldier can look forward to a secure and dignified life after service,” he said.
General Shaibu commended the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and other dignitaries for identifying with the Nigerian Army, saying their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to the welfare of military personnel and veterans.
The COAS stressed that personnel welfare remains one of the cardinal pillars of his command philosophy, maintaining that the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army depends largely on the well-being of its soldiers.
“Welfare remains one of the foundational pillars of my command philosophy. The Nigerian Army can only fulfil its constitutional responsibilities if its personnel are well-motivated, properly equipped and adequately cared for. The Soldier-First Culture places the welfare, well-being, and professional development of our personnel at the forefront of all our activities,” he stated.
According to him, the AHOOAS initiative was established to reward years of sacrifice by providing affordable and accessible housing for soldiers.
“Our goal is to ensure that years of dedicated service to our nation are rewarded with the security and dignity of home ownership. Having devoted the best years of their lives to the defence of our beloved nation, they deserve a place they can proudly call home,” he said.
The Army Chief disclosed that since assuming office on October 30, 2025, the Army has significantly expanded its housing programme across the country. He recalled that 60 housing units were commissioned in Akobo, Ibadan, in December 2025, while another 80 units were inaugurated in Jos, adding that 40 completed units in Benin and 120 units in Abuja are awaiting commissioning.
He revealed that five per cent of all housing units have been reserved for soldiers who sustained life-changing injuries in the line of duty.
“As usual, five per cent of the housing units have been reserved for soldiers badly wounded in action. These gallant personnel made tremendous sacrifices in defence of our nation and deserve our support and gratitude. Those who have borne the physical scars of service must receive the care, recognition, and consideration they deserve,” he said.
General Shaibu also praised PHDL for complementing the housing project with critical infrastructure, including a shopping complex, children’s playground, road network, water supply system, electrification, solar street lights, and perimeter fencing.
“Through prudent management, innovation, and strategic partnerships, PHDL has continued to translate the Nigerian Army’s welfare objectives into tangible outcomes. I encourage you to sustain this momentum while ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely execution of all projects under your charge,” he added.
He urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities and promote peaceful coexistence within the estate, describing the houses as symbols of hope and rewards for dedicated service.
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In his welcome address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General IA Allison, said the AHOOAS initiative was conceived to address one of the greatest concerns of every soldier—the uncertainty of life after retirement.
“When we look at AHOOAS today, what we see is not simply another housing programme. What we see is a deliberate effort to answer a question that every soldier asks: ‘After service, what next?’”
“For many, that question carries uncertainty. For us at PHDL, acting on the philosophy and strategic guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, it became a responsibility to respond to that uncertainty with something real, something lasting, and something attainable. That is what AHOOAS represents—not just buildings, but certainty, dignity and reassurance for the Nigerian soldier and his family,” Allison said.
He explained that the Jos project comprises 44 newly constructed housing units made up of 22 two-bedroom and 22 three-bedroom semi-detached flats. In addition, 37 previously unsold housing units were renovated, bringing the total number of housing units commissioned to 81.
According to him, the estate also features a rehabilitated water works, a 40-unit shopping complex, electricity and metering facilities, solar-powered street lights, children’s playgrounds, asphalt and interlocking roads, as well as an extended perimeter fence to prevent encroachment.
Allison noted that the Army deliberately integrates civilians into its estates to foster peaceful coexistence and sustainable communities.
“We are intentional about the type of communities we build. Beyond military beneficiaries, we create room for a controlled number of civilians. This approach encourages social integration, promotes sustainability, and helps create vibrant communities where people can live, interact, and thrive together,” he said.
He added that the transformation at PHDL extends beyond AHOOAS, with the development of Smart Ville Estates, Luxury Estates, shopping complexes, and the revitalisation of existing housing infrastructure nationwide.
“As we commission these projects today, we do so with a clear sense of purpose: every key handed over represents a promise fulfilled, every home occupied represents a dream realised, and every completed project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership is matched with commitment and execution,” he said.
The PHDL Managing Director also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his support and mentorship while thanking him for appointing him as the Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
“I remain profoundly grateful for the confidence you have reposed in me by finding me worthy of my new appointment as the Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited. I assure you that I shall continue to justify your confidence through disciplined leadership, innovation, and the delivery of strategic housing and infrastructure projects that will contribute meaningfully to the welfare and well-being of Nigerian military personnel,” he said.
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