By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has called for greater collaboration and trusted partnerships among African nations to combat the continent’s growing transnational security challenges. He made this call during his keynote address at the 4th African Air Forces Forum, which commenced on Thursday, 22 May 2025, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
Themed “Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” the two-day high-level event gathered over 1,300 delegates, defence leaders, aerospace experts, and exhibitors from more than 50 countries.
An official signed statement made available by the director public relations and information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame disclosed that addressing air chiefs, strategic defence partners, and international guests, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that no single African country possesses the capacity to independently resolve the evolving and complex security threats confronting the region.
“In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, the capacity to project airpower for deterrence, surveillance, logistics, or combat has become indispensable,” the CAS stated. “However, at the core of Africa’s effective employment of airpower lies the imperative for trusted partnerships anchored in shared values and strategic interests.”
He underscored the importance of regional integration and mutual trust, noting that a united front remains the most viable pathway to sustainable security. He added that the forum provides a critical platform for strengthening inter-Air Force cooperation, accelerating technology transfer, and building resilience across Africa’s aerospace and defence ecosystems.
“As threats become increasingly transnational in nature, the urgency for enhanced cooperation, innovation, and strategic foresight among African air forces cannot be overemphasised,” Air Marshal Abubakar asserted.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour and Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, highlighted the essential role of airpower in every successful military operation. He called on African air chiefs to forge closer ties and pursue joint initiatives to maximise operational efficiency and improve security outcomes across the continent.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, welcomed delegates to Lagos, which he described as “Africa’s most vibrant city, where tradition meets innovation.” He encouraged participants to explore the cultural richness of Lagos while engaging in critical discussions on aerospace strategy and defence cooperation.
The opening day of the forum featured insightful paper presentations, goodwill messages from international air force chiefs, and an expansive defence exhibition showcasing the latest in aerospace innovations, surveillance systems, and cutting-edge aviation technology.
Held in continuation of the momentum built during the 3rd edition in Abuja, the Lagos-hosted 4th African Air Forces Forum is expected to chart a forward-looking path for integrated airpower strategies and enhanced military cooperation in Africa. The forum also underscores Nigeria’s growing leadership in championing regional security initiatives and promoting “African solutions to African problems” in synergy with the global community.
The event continues on Friday with technical panels on counterterrorism, airborne ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and asymmetric warfare, aimed at redefining Africa’s defence posture in a volatile global security landscape.
