By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has rolled out a comprehensive package of welfare-driven initiatives aimed at boosting morale, improving well-being, and enhancing operational effectiveness across its units. The reforms were unveiled by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during the commissioning of a newly remodelled 160-ensuite airmen’s accommodation at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday 31 May 2025.
According to an official signed statement made available to Newspeg by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the landmark event symbolized the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to personnel welfare, which the CAS reaffirmed as the cornerstone of his command philosophy.
Speaking during the commissioning, Air Marshal Abubakar stated, “Personnel welfare is not a favour, it is a fundamental responsibility of leadership. Our efforts are focused on creating a well-motivated, professional, and combat-ready force by ensuring that our men and women in uniform receive the support they need in all aspects of their service life.”
One of the most impactful interventions, he disclosed, is the 100 percent increase in Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), already factored into the 2025 budget. “This is a proactive measure to cushion the effects of economic pressures and support our personnel amid rising living costs,” the CAS stated.
In addition, he revealed that out of the 23 beneficiaries, 9 of them recently have received substantial payouts under a newly introduced Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy. The policy provides financial compensation in cases of bodily injury, permanent or temporary disability, death, and covers medical expenses as well as salary reimbursement during hospitalisation. “This policy reflects our institutional responsibility to protect and support personnel and their families in times of vulnerability,” the CAS said.
Highlighting another major welfare initiative, the Air Chief announced the ongoing nationwide distribution of new uniforms and accoutrements. “We are on track to achieve 100 percent coverage within the next two weeks,” he disclosed.
Beyond financial and personal welfare interventions, Air Marshal Abubakar announced a surge in infrastructural development across the NAF. He said over 470 projects are currently in motion across the country, spanning residential buildings, operational facilities, sporting complexes, medical centres, and places of worship. “Out of these, 295 have been completed, representing 63 percent, while 175 projects are ongoing. So far, over ₦61 billion has been invested in these critical upgrades, including roads, water supply systems, and power infrastructure,” he stated.
Referring to the newly commissioned accommodation, the CAS said, “These 160 ensuite flats will significantly enhance the living conditions of our personnel, boost morale, strengthen unit cohesion, and ultimately improve operational efficiency.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also announced an upward review of the monthly electricity subsidy for Sam Ethnan Air Force Base to alleviate the utility burden on personnel. In addition, he disclosed the procurement of new medical equipment for 661 NAF Hospital, Ikeja, aimed at improving the quality of healthcare services for NAF personnel and their families. “These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that our personnel are well catered for in all aspects of service life. Your service and sacrifice remain the cornerstone upon which we continue to build a stronger and more capable Air Force,” he stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, lauded the Chief of the Air Staff for his exemplary leadership and deep commitment to personnel welfare. “Your command philosophy is driven by leadership empathy and action. You understand the realities faced by personnel, especially in the area of accommodation, and you are decisively addressing them,” he said.
AVM Ademuwagun noted that the welfare interventions spearheaded by the CAS, including the newly commissioned accommodation, would significantly boost morale and improve mission performance. He assured the CAS of the unwavering loyalty and dedication of personnel under his command in advancing the objectives of the Nigerian Air Force.
The commissioning of the new airmen’s accommodation and the rollout of multiple welfare reforms underscore the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to prioritize the human element in building an agile, motivated, and combat-ready air force capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
