The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to reinforcing its “soldier-first” culture through targeted welfare interventions, improved infrastructure and policies that recognise the sacrifices of personnel and their families.
Shaibu stated this shortly after inaugurating multiple signature projects initiated and completed by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He said the commissioning of the projects formed part of activities lined up to mark the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), ahead of the grand finale scheduled for Monday, 6 July 2026, in Port Harcourt.
The facilities commissioned include the 6 Division Kennel and Administrative Centre, a detention facility, 12 units of two-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs), the 58 Signal RSM House, the 6 Division Soldiers’ Club, and the unveiling of the ‘Waidi Shaibu Headquarters’ Monument.
The Chief of Army Staff, accompanied by other senior officers from the Army Headquarters, was conducted round the barracks by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah.
Speaking to journalists shortly afterwards, Shaibu said the projects were deliberately targeted at improving the living and working conditions of troops and their families, noting that welfare remains central to operational effectiveness.
According to him, the accommodation and recreational facilities were designed to add value to the formation and positively impact soldiers and their families.
The COAS said, “As you know, we are celebrating the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army. As part of the activities lined up to celebrate this unique occasion, some of these projects were commissioned.
“All these activities are to add value to the formation hosting the celebration, and another value is to positively impact our soldiers and their families. Of course, the accommodation is for them and their families.”
Shaibu also stated that prioritising soldiers’ welfare is now a deliberate institutional policy aimed at boosting morale, retention and performance across formations.
He noted that improved housing, functional administrative centres and welfare facilities reduce the burden on troops and allow them to focus on their constitutional responsibilities without distraction.
Shaibu said the “soldier-first” culture being reinforced by the Army means that commanders at all levels must ensure personnel are adequately catered for, from decent accommodation to access to welfare structures that support family life within barracks.
He stated that the Army Headquarters remains committed to sustaining investments that place personnel’s well-being at the core of military administration.
The COAS further commended the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, for prioritising the welfare of officers and soldiers.
He said the scale and quality of projects executed by the 6 Division reflected good leadership and a clear commitment to caring for troops.
“In all this, we appreciate the efforts of the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, and Land Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe.
“The projects we commissioned today show that his leadership is commendable, as well as every other effort made to ensure that we care for the soldiers and their welfare,” Shaibu said.
He also commended officers and soldiers for their commitment to carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
“We appreciate their support and the job they are doing, and we remain committed to reinforcing our soldier-first culture,” he said.
