The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has commissioned newly renovated accommodation for corporals and other lower-rank personnel at the Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto State, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army troops.

The refurbished quarters are part of the Federal Government’s ongoing initiative to prioritise the well-being of soldiers, particularly those deployed in operational areas across the North-West.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, Musa said the project underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that military personnel are adequately supported, both on and off the battlefield.

“Our personnel make daily sacrifices in defence of the nation. Providing decent and secure accommodation for them is not a privilege, but a responsibility we must continue to uphold,” the minister said.

He noted that non-commissioned officers play a critical role in the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, adding that improved welfare directly enhances discipline, morale and operational success.

Musa also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for sustaining infrastructure development across formations nationwide.

The renovated quarters, which accommodate corporals and below as well as their families, now feature modern amenities, improved ventilation and enhanced security measures aimed at addressing accommodation challenges within the cantonment.

Earlier, the Commander, 8 Division Garrison, Brig. Gen. Abdumalik Muhammed, described the project as timely, especially as the army intensifies operations against banditry and other security threats in the North-West.

“This project will significantly improve the well-being of our personnel and motivate them to give their best in the service of the nation,” he said.

Giginya Cantonment hosts the 8 Division, a key formation involved in ongoing security operations in the region, highlighting the importance of sustained welfare interventions for troops stationed in the area.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the facility, an inspection tour by the minister and senior officers, the symbolic handover of keys to beneficiaries, and a group photograph.