The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for his visionary leadership and commitment to troops’ welfare, as he commissioned new officers’ accommodation at Niger Barracks Extension and a link road connecting Mambilla Barracks with the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1 and the Defence Intelligence Agency in Abuja.
Speaking at the event on Friday, the Speaker described the projects as “visible expressions of the nation’s commitment to the welfare, morale, and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.”
He lauded the Defence Headquarters for prioritizing personnel welfare as a cornerstone of military capability, noting that “no fighting force, no matter how well-equipped or trained, can perform at its best without decent accommodation, reliable infrastructure, and a humane work environment.”
Abbas stated that the new facilities would not only enhance efficiency and movement between key institutions but also boost the morale and readiness of officers in the line of duty.
“By improving the movement between key facilities and providing dignified living spaces for our officers, we strengthen efficiency and reinforce the resolve of our personnel to give their very best in service to the nation,” he said.
The Speaker also paid tribute to the courage, discipline, and sacrifice of the Nigerian Armed Forces, honouring those who have paid the supreme price and reaffirming the government’s commitment to their families.
He further highlighted the National Assembly’s role in supporting defence and security reforms, stressing that the legislature has prioritized appropriations for critical military infrastructure, platforms, and personnel welfare.
According to him, “We have approved funding for barracks rehabilitation, family housing, healthcare, mental health support, and post-service transition programs. We are also advancing legislative proposals to deepen professionalism and accountability within the security sector.”
Dr. Abbas praised General Musa for his purposeful leadership and focus on welfare-driven reforms, noting that “when welfare is treated as a priority rather than an afterthought, the entire defence system benefits.”
He urged the Defence Headquarters and the Services to sustain a culture of preventive maintenance and proper asset management, assuring that the National Assembly would continue to provide necessary funding and oversight to ensure durability of the projects.
The Speaker also emphasized the importance of whole-of-society cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that military action alone is insufficient without community participation, economic empowerment, and justice.
Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces, pledging to continue advocating for improved welfare, operational resources, and institutional reforms.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, described the projects as a tangible demonstration of the military’s commitment to improving the living and working conditions of officers and their families. According to him, the new facilities were designed not merely for comfort but to promote efficiency, safety, and morale among personnel.
He noted that the Niger Barracks Extension Block, which will accommodate policy makers at the Defence Headquarters, will provide a conducive environment for strategic thinking and policy formulation aimed at strengthening the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“These facilities reflect our understanding that operational success begins with the welfare and morale of our people,” the CDS said. “By improving their quality of life, we are investing directly in the strength, efficiency, and unity of our forces.”
General Musa explained that the project aligns with his leadership philosophy—“To nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, collaborative, and capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment”—particularly its pillar on prioritising troops’ welfare.
He commended the National Assembly for its continuous support through timely budgetary approvals, which have enabled the Defence Headquarters to execute welfare-driven projects across the country.
The CDS also expressed deep appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast commitment to the welfare, training, and operational needs of military personnel, which he said has contributed to the visible reduction of insecurity nationwide.
General Musa specially acknowledged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the event, lauding his “dogged commitment” to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.