Affordable Home Ownership For Soldiers Gets Boost As Army Chief Shaibu Inaugurates New Estate

 Nigerian Army expands housing scheme with new units for serving and retired soldiers.

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday commissioned another tranche of housing units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) scheme, marking a significant expansion of the welfare-driven initiative aimed at guaranteeing dignified post-service living for personnel. 

The commissioning ceremony, held in Jos, Plateau State, was attended by top military leaders, government officials and beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, described the project as “a 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 emphasized that welfare remains a core pillar of his command philosophy, noting that the Army can only fulfill its constitutional responsibilities when its personnel are “well motivated, properly equipped, and adequately cared for.” 

General Shaibu highlighted the rapid progress of the AHOOAS scheme since he assumed office on 30 October 2025. According to him, the Army has commissioned 60 units in Ibadan, 80 units in Jos, completed 40 units in Benin, and finished 120 units in Abuja awaiting commissioning. 

He reaffirmed that 5 percent of all housing units are reserved for soldiers wounded in action, describing it as a moral obligation to honour those who have “borne the physical scars of service.” 

The COAS also commended Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) for delivering additional infrastructure within the Jos estate, including a children’s playground, shopping complex, road networks, electrification, waterworks rehabilitation and perimeter fencing.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of PHDL, Major General I.A. Allison, praised the COAS for his unwavering commitment to soldier welfare, stating that AHOOAS answers a fundamental question every soldier asks: “After service, what next?” 

He noted the scheme has evolved into a nationwide initiative, with new estates emerging across multiple states. In Jos, the newly commissioned units include:11 blocks of 2 bedroom semi detached flats (22 units),11 blocks of 3 bedroom semi detached flats (22 units) and renovated units comprising 37 additional homes, including one bedroom and two bedroom flats.

Allison also outlined extensive rehabilitation works within the estate, including waterworks restoration, a 40 unit shopping complex, solar street lighting, asphalt and interlocking road networks, and extended perimeter fencing to prevent encroachment.

He added the Army is intentional about building inclusive communities by allowing a controlled number of civilian residents to promote social integration and sustainability.

General Shaibu expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unflinching support and strategic guidance,” noting that federal interventions have ensured the timely completion of major Army welfare projects. 

He assured soldiers and their families that the Nigerian Army would continue to pursue programmes that enhance their quality of life during and after service.

The ceremony ended with the symbolic handover of keys to beneficiaries, marking another step in the Army’s drive to ensure that every soldier regardless of rank has access to secure and affordable home ownership.