The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has described the Abia State Government’s construction of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex in Umuahia as a demonstration of the shared responsibility required to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.
According to an official statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa made the remarks while commissioning the facility alongside Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The Defence Minister commended Governor Otti for what he described as visionary leadership and strategic investment in security, noting that the project exemplifies how state governments can complement the Federal Government’s efforts to improve national security.
He stressed that while the Armed Forces have the constitutional responsibility of defending the nation, sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through collaboration among all levels of government, security agencies and citizens.
“National security is a shared responsibility. While the Armed Forces are constitutionally mandated to defend the nation, achieving lasting peace and stability requires active collaboration among all tiers of government, security agencies, and citizens,” the Minister said.
General Musa said the new administrative complex would enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s operational planning, coordination and readiness, adding that modern military operations depend on efficient administrative infrastructure to improve personnel management and strategic decision-making.
He also applauded officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force for their continued commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s airspace and supporting joint military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft.
Addressing Air Force personnel deployed to Abia State, the Minister urged them to uphold professionalism and maintain cordial relations with their host communities.
“I want to charge the Air Force personnel coming here to make Abia State a better place. We do not want to hear that you are causing problems for the civilian population. Abia is good, make it better, and ensure your presence brings peace and safety to the people,” he said.
General Musa linked the commissioning to ongoing efforts to improve security in the South-East, including the 60th anniversary commemoration of the late Major General Aguiyi Ironsi and the recently concluded maiden South-East Security Summit.
He assured residents that resolutions reached at the summit would be implemented, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace, security and economic prosperity in the region.
Governor Otti, in a speech titled “Security is a Right,” said his administration undertook the project to guarantee the safety of the people of Abia State. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the establishment of a permanent Nigerian Air Force presence in the state.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, thanked the Abia State Government for the gesture and assured that the Nigerian Air Force would make judicious use of the facility and other assets provided. He added that the new base would strengthen the Armed Forces’ presence and improve security coverage across the South-East.
