The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, on Tuesday, 28 January 2026, commissioned the Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) Shopping Complex in Asokoro, Abuja, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the holistic welfare of its serving and retired personnel.
The commissioning marked another milestone in COAS drive toward sustainable infrastructure development and institutional growth within the Armed Forces community.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony and site Monitoring Vehicles, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the project as part of the Nigerian Army’s deliberate strategy to enhance the quality of life of its personnel through well-managed welfare initiatives and sustainable infrastructure.
According to the Army Chief, the shopping complex is designed to serve residents of adjoining Army barracks, improve service delivery and stimulate legitimate economic activities within Nigerian Army estates and host communities. He noted that beyond meeting commercial needs, the facility is expected to act as a catalyst for local enterprise development and employment generation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasised that welfare projects must go beyond good intentions to include proper management, supervision and sustainability. He stated that the commissioning of the complex reflects the Army’s resolve to ensure that welfare initiatives are prudently managed and aligned with broader national development objectives.
While commending the quality of construction and the safety features incorporated into the complex, the COAS stressed that long-term value would depend largely on effective facility management and responsible usage. He therefore urged all allottees and users to remain safety-conscious, comply strictly with established regulations and take collective responsibility for the protection of lives and property within the complex.
The Army Chief also commended the Management and staff of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, under the leadership of both the immediate past and current Managing Directors, for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the project. He encouraged them to sustain the momentum while ensuring transparency, accountability, timely execution and effective supervision of future projects.
Lieutenant General Shaibu acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, noting that the successful execution of welfare-oriented projects such as the PHDL Shopping Complex was made possible by the enabling environment provided by the Federal Government.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s appreciation of the President’s commitment to institutional reforms, prudent governance and the welfare of service personnel in the pursuit of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The COAS further thanked distinguished guests, partners and stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the successful completion of the project, calling on all users of the facility to preserve it so that it continues to serve its intended purpose and stand as a model of effective administration within the Nigerian Army.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PHDL, Major General Isaiah Allison, described the project as a reflection of purposeful investment and strategic planning aimed at enhancing commercial activity and service delivery.
He commended the Board of Directors of PHDL for their unwavering support and acknowledged the immediate past Managing Director/CEO, Major General Joseph Omali, under whose leadership the project was initiated. According to him, the foundation laid by the former management made the successful completion of the complex possible.
Major General Allison noted that since assuming office on 3 February 2025, the management sustained momentum on the project with a focus on efficiency, safety, and user experience. He disclosed that a direct access route from the expressway into the complex was constructed to ease movement and encourage patronage.
To ensure long-term operational sustainability, he said a professional facility management firm had been engaged to oversee security, cleanliness and general maintenance of the complex. He added that although a burglary incident previously resulted in vandalism of installed items, all affected areas had been fully restored ahead of the commissioning.
The PHDL boss revealed that the complex is equipped with comprehensive security and safety infrastructure, including fully operational closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and modern fire safety systems such as fire detectors and portable extinguishers, making the facility fully fire-ready.
He gave special recognition to Commander Christine Allison of the 41st Regular Course, who handled the installation of the fire safety system, describing her contribution as a proud demonstration of expertise within the Armed Forces family.
On power supply, Major General Allison disclosed that a 750 KVA transformer and 500 KVA generator had been installed to provide uninterrupted electricity and eliminate the risks associated with the use of multiple private generators. He explained that power costs would be equitably shared among shop occupants.
He further stated that adequate parking space had been provided, while tricycle and taxi operators previously occupying the frontage of the complex had been relocated to a dedicated park currently under construction behind the facility. A public convenience facility and clear shop locator directories for all floors are also being installed to promote hygiene and ease of navigation.
The Managing Director announced that another PHDL shopping complex in Warri would be commissioned shortly, underscoring the company’s expansion drive across the country.
Addressing shop owners, he clarified that although some shop numbers had changed due to mergers carried out to enhance functionality, ownership remained unaffected. He said new allocation letters would be issued on 4 February, alongside the formal handover of shop keys, noting that the shops were ready for fitting and furnishing.
Major General Allison praised the project contractor, Leafcrest Investment Services Limited, for delivering high-quality work, as affirmed by the quality control consultants’ report. He also appreciated the Managing Director of Costco Pharmacy for donating additional souvenirs to support the event.
The commissioning ceremony of PHDL Shopping Complex Asokoro and Site Monitoring Vehicles was attended by members of the PHDL Board, senior officers from the Armed Forces, heads of military establishments, representatives of sister service investment companies, contractors, and members of the media.
