IBADAN, OYO STATE – The Nigerian Army has inaugurated 60 new housing units in the Akobo area of Ibadan, a significant step in its mission to provide affordable homes for its personnel. In a landmark welfare initiative, 5% of these units have been allocated free of charge to soldiers who sustained permanent disabilities while serving the nation.
The project, launched under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Scheme, is a core part of the Army’s “Soldier First” transformation agenda. According to an official statement by Army spokesperson Colonel Apollonia Anele, 70% of the housing units are reserved for soldiers at deeply subsidized rates, with homes valued at up to ₦30 million sold for as low as ₦7.5 million.
A Foundation for Dignity and Stability
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who inaugurated the project, stated that access to decent and affordable housing is central to troop morale and operational effectiveness.
“The AHOOAS scheme is designed to ensure that soldiers retire in dignity, with secure home ownership in locations of their choice,” General Shaibu said. He emphasized that the initiative is a practical demonstration of the Army’s commitment to its personnel’s welfare, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision.
The project in Ibadan marks the expansion of the scheme beyond its successful pilot phase in Idu, Abuja, which delivered over 400 units. The Army has announced plans to extend the program to other locations, including Benin, Jos, and Akwa Ibom.
Detailed Breakdown of the Housing Initiative
· Total Units Inaugurated: 60 flats (30 two-bedroom and 30 three-bedroom).
· Beneficiaries: Non-Commissioned Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
· Pricing Model: A deliberate welfare intervention, not a commercial venture. Houses built at costs up to ₦30 million are sold to soldiers for ₦7.5 million.
· Special Allocation: 5% of units granted free to soldiers with permanent disabilities sustained in service.
· Subsidized Access: 70% of units reserved for soldiers at the highly subsidized rate.
Major General Isiah Alison, Managing Director of the Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), the project executors, explained the scheme’s ethos. “This is a deliberate welfare intervention rather than a commercial venture,” he stated.
Supporting Families and Local Economies
Alongside the housing units, a new shopping complex was also inaugurated under the PHDL. This complex is designed to support small businesses run by soldiers’ families and stimulate local economic activity around military formations.
General Shaibu commended the Oyo State Government for its support and called on other state governments to facilitate the scheme’s expansion by allocating land for future phases. He also acknowledged the Family Homes Funds Limited for its partnership in constructing 50 housing units for widows of fallen heroes, a separate but complementary welfare project.
This housing initiative represents one of the most substantial, direct welfare investments for military personnel in recent years, aiming to provide long-term security and stability for those who serve the nation.
