Joseph Chibu
The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, has commissioned a series of infrastructure projects and commenced construction of a new warehouse as part of efforts to improve personnel welfare, training facilities and operational efficiency.
The projects were unveiled on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by the outgoing Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo.
The projects include a 150 seater canteen, upgraded classrooms and toilet facilities at the Command Children School, street lighting installations and the groundbreaking of a new warehouse.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ilo described the occasion as a significant milestone in his tenure, noting that it provided an opportunity to assess the achievements recorded during his leadership and appreciate personnel who contributed to the development of the Centre.
He said improving the Centre’s infrastructure, strengthening personnel welfare and creating a conducive environment for training, administration and accommodation were among his major priorities upon assuming command.
According to him, the quality of physical infrastructure has a direct impact on personnel morale, operational efficiency and general well-being, prompting deliberate efforts to channel available resources into projects capable of delivering lasting benefits.
Ilo expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, attributing the achievements to the collective commitment, professionalism and dedication of officers, servicemen, servicewomen and civilian employees.
He stressed that the newly completed facilities represented more than physical structures, describing them as strategic investments in personnel welfare, operational readiness and the long-term development of the institution.
The outgoing Commandant urged personnel to take ownership of the facilities, ensure their proper utilisation and maintain them to serve present and future generations.
He particularly commended the Deputy Commandant, directors, deputy directors, commanding officers, heads of departments and other members of staff for their cooperation and commitment to actualising his vision.
Ilo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, while acknowledging the contributions of the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and Chief of Defence Intelligence throughout his tenure.
He described the achievements as the outcome of shared determination and institutional teamwork, adding that he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the Centre before proceeding to his next assignment.
The Commandant disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had initially been scheduled to commission the 150 seater canteen as a legacy project. However, service exigencies prevented his attendance, necessitating Ilo’s representation on his behalf.
He subsequently performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the NAFRC warehouse and commissioned the upgraded classrooms, toilet facilities and street lighting installations at the Command Children School.
The 150 seater canteen was also formally commissioned on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff for the benefit of military personnel and civilian staff of the Centre.
Earlier, the Centre Maintenance Officer, Major U Otagbo, described the projects as important interventions designed to address infrastructure gaps and improve the working and living conditions of personnel and their families.
Otagbo said the commissioning of completed projects and commencement of new ones reflected the Centre’s commitment to continuous development, improved service delivery and effective management of its facilities. He urged personnel to sustain the progress through responsible use and regular maintenance.
The ceremony marked another phase in NAFRC’s infrastructure development efforts, with the Commandant expressing confidence that the projects would continue to support the Centre’s training, administrative and welfare responsibilities