…reinforces commitment to operational excellence, personnel welfare, and national security
By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has described his recent assumption of the leadership of the Association of African Air Forces, as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen partnerships and enhance airpower capabilities across the continent. The AAAF, a regional organization which comprises over 30 African air forces, is in partnership with the United States.
A statement signed by the Director Public Relations and Information AVM Olusola F Akinboyewa disclosed that the CAS while speaking at the commissioning ceremony of two major infrastructure projects in Lagos, highlighted Lagos’ vital role in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), serving as the home base for crucial units like the Logistics Command and the 301 Heavy Airlift Group.
He further highlighted the selection of Lagos to host the upcoming 4th African Air Forces Forum from 21-23 May, as well as Nigeria’s first-ever international air show, scheduled for December 2025 and also reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to operational excellence, international collaboration, and personnel welfare.
The Chief of Air Staff emphasized that personnel welfare is a top priority, especially when it comes to providing suitable housing. He pointed out that having a safe and comfortable home allows military personnel to perform their duties with greater stability and mental clarity, knowing their personal needs are met.
“It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to commission two significant projects that reaffirms the Nigerian Air Force’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of its personnel,” he said.
The newly commissioned officers’ accommodation at Esugbayi Street, Ikeja GRA, consists of a block of 6 two-bedroom flats and another block of 6 three-bedroom flats. Additionally, the new Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCO) Mess features nine en-suite bedrooms, two lounges, a spacious storage room, and modern amenities, enhancing the living and working conditions of NAF personnel.
The CAS further spotlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) infrastructure development strides, announcing that over 340 projects were initiated as of December 2024, with 195 successfully completed and 145 currently underway, noting that 30 per cent of these projects focused on accommodation and office buildings, followed by airfield and operations facilities (19 percent), as well as power supply and fencing projects (11 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively).
He also reiterated his commitment to reducing the shortfall in infrastructure by 50 percent by the end of 2025. The CAS also commended the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, the 651 Base Services Group, and the contractors for their professionalism in ensuring the timely completion of the projects.
While expressing the NAF’s profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support, pledging the NAF’s commitment to the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the administration, the CAS urged personnel to take ownership of the newly commissioned facilities, maintain them diligently, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service.
Earlier in his welcome address, the AOC Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) AK Ademuwagun, praised the CAS for his unwavering commitment to personnel welfare and infrastructural development across NAF units.
“These projects serve as a testament to the Chief of the Air Staff’s dedication to excellence, resilience, and the welfare of Nigerian Air Force personnel. They align with the fifth key enabler of his Command Philosophy, maintaining a highly motivated force through enhanced welfare and infrastructural renewal,” AVM Ademuwagun stated. He further commended the CAS for his broader commitment to infrastructure development across NAF units.
The event represented a significant milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) ongoing transformation journey, reaffirming its dedication to achieving operational excellence, prioritizing personnel welfare, and safeguarding national security. This commitment underscores the NAF’s relentless pursuit of effectiveness and efficiency in its operations, as it strives to address the evolving security challenges facing the nation.
