COAS Support Driving Massive Infrastructure Renewal in 1 Division, Says GOC

By Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army’s 1 Division has embarked on an extensive infrastructure renewal programme that has transformed troop accommodation, worship centres, educational facilities and welfare infrastructure, with the support of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Wase, has said.

Wase , who spoke through the Chief of Staff of the Division, Brig.-Gen. Timothy Opurum, during an interaction with defence correspondents in Kaduna, said the intervention was significantly improving the living and working conditions of troops while enhancing operational effectiveness across the Division’s area of responsibility.

According to him, the ongoing transformation is in line with the COAS’ “Soldier First” philosophy, which places premium attention on troop welfare, accommodation and morale as critical enablers of operational success.

He said the Division inherited several infrastructure that needed to be repaired . but had, through prudent management of resources and support from Army Headquarters, embarked on an aggressive programme of rehabilitation, renovation and construction.

“The support from the Chief of Army Staff has been tremendous. His commitment to improving troops’ welfare has enabled us to undertake several projects that are directly impacting the lives of our personnel and their families.

“Many of the structures we met were in very poor condition. Today, most of them have been completely transformed into modern and habitable facilities,” he said.

The GOC explained that one of the landmark achievements of the Division was the renovation of multiple blocks of abandoned accommodation that had previously become uninhabitable.

According to him, following directives and support from Army Headquarters, the Division commenced the rehabilitation of old accommodation blocks in November 2025 and successfully expanded the scope of the project beyond the initial allocation.

He said through prudent financial management and cost-saving measures, the Division was able to renovate six accommodation blocks instead of the four originally approved.

“By carefully managing available resources, we were able to increase the number of renovated accommodation blocks from four to six. This has significantly improved housing availability for officers and soldiers within the cantonment,” he said.

Wase added that the accommodation facilities were further enhanced with the installation of modern solar-powered electricity systems designed to provide uninterrupted power supply.

According to him, more than 65,000 watts of solar power infrastructure have already been installed across the renovated facilities, reducing dependence on the national grid and improving energy sustainability.

He disclosed that another major solar power project currently under construction had reached about 50 per cent completion and was expected to be delivered within the next few months.

The project, he noted, would further improve electricity supply and support military operations within the Division.

The GOC also highlighted extensive roof rehabilitation works carried out on several damaged buildings whose roofs had been blown off by severe weather conditions.

He said the repairs involved complete replacement of roofing sheets, ceiling systems and other structural components to restore the affected buildings to functional standards.

In addition to accommodation projects, the Division undertook a comprehensive renovation of its main auditorium, transforming the facility into a modern conference and event centre capable of hosting military and inter-agency engagements.

“The auditorium was in a deteriorated state before the intervention. Today, it has been remodelled and upgraded to meet contemporary standards,” he said.

The welfare-focused interventions also extended to places of worship within the Division.

Wase disclosed that all three major worship centres in the cantonment the Catholic Church, Protestant Church and Central Mosque had undergone extensive renovation.

The projects included structural repairs, repainting, refurbishment of facilities and environmental improvements aimed at providing conducive worship environments for personnel and their families.

“We believe welfare is not only about accommodation and feeding. Spiritual wellbeing is equally important. That is why attention was given to all worship centres within the Division,” he said.

The Division also established a modern cafeteria facility to improve feeding arrangements and create a more conducive environment for personnel.

According to the GOC, the project was completed within a remarkably short period and has since become one of the most utilised welfare facilities within the cantonment.

Another major intervention is the ongoing renovation of the Division’s crèche and nursery school, which is expected to provide improved educational facilities for the children of military personnel.

He said the project had reached approximately 70 per cent completion and would be delivered before the end of the year.

Beyond military facilities, the Division has also extended its intervention programmes to host communities as part of its civil-military cooperation initiatives.

Wase disclosed that a block of classrooms was recently constructed and handed over to a host community in Kaduna State to support educational development and strengthen relations between the military and civilians.

He described the project as part of the Army’s broader efforts to win hearts and minds while contributing to socio-economic development in communities hosting military formations.

The GOC noted that the infrastructural improvements were already yielding positive results in troop morale, discipline and operational effectiveness.

According to him, soldiers who live and work in conducive environments are better motivated and more committed to accomplishing assigned missions.

He also commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing strategic guidance, resources and operational support that have enabled the Division to simultaneously prosecute counter-banditry operations and pursue infrastructure development.

Wase further revealed that the Division had introduced new welfare initiatives, including recognition packages for retiring and redeployed officers and soldiers as part of efforts to reward commitment and service.

He noted that personnel who distinguish themselves in service now receive special appreciation packages, reflecting the Division’s commitment to recognising dedication and sacrifice.

The GOC stressed that despite prevailing operational challenges, including mobility constraints, logistics demands and infrastructure deficits, the Division remained focused on sustaining the momentum of ongoing development projects.

He assured that additional accommodation, power and welfare projects were already in the pipeline as part of efforts to further improve living conditions for personnel.

According to him, the Division’s experience demonstrates that investment in troop welfare and infrastructure remains a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.

“When soldiers are well accommodated, properly cared for and adequately motivated, they perform better in operations. That is the philosophy driving these interventions, and we are grateful to the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering support,” he said.

COAS Support Driving Massive Infrastructure Renewal in 1 Division, Says GOC