The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has explained why the military commenced construction of a new Armed Forces Complex in Abuja.

General Musa in a welcome address at the ground-breaking ceremony said the current Armed Forces Complex had become inadequate following expansion.

He said the proposed state-of-the-art facility when completed would serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to modernising the armed forces .

“The location of our current armed forces complex in Garki was initially envisaged as a temporary site headquarters for the three services.

“However, owing to the transformation, expansion and increasing role of the armed forces in managing the nation’s security landscape, the complex has gradually become inadequate to accommodate the expanding departments of the Defence and Services Headquarters.

“Accordingly, the proposed new complex is designed to address this challenge with ultra-modern facilities that would support strategic and operational responses against both conventional and unconventional threats in the country,” he said.

The CDS said the choice of the location took cognisance of the strategic disposition of existing landmarks and geographical features including the range of Mpape Hills and Aso Rock which offers a natural security barrier, as well as its proximity to other military barracks and formations.

He added that the location would further mitigate the incessant movement of military convoys and personnel within the city centre.

Speaking on the choice of contractor, he said the Defence Headquarters engaged the services of Julius Berger Nigeria to undertake the historic project based on its track record of performance, assured value for money and the ability to replicate the feat it achieved with the construction of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre in record time.

He thanked President Bola  Tinubu for his vision in emplacing a highly professional and responsive armed forces.

“Sir, your exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment has further spurred the Armed Forces to an exponential drive towards the indigenization of our military industrial complex,”.

“As we perform this groundbreaking ceremony for the new Armed Forces Complex, let it symbolise not just bricks and mortar but a legacy project of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. May this moment also reflect our resolve to work together and assiduously to bringing this edifice to fruition. Let this renewed AFN HQ complex be a national monument, a beacon of strength and resilience for all who served and are serving in the great Armed Forces of Nigeria,”.