NAF@60: NAF will maintain well-trained motivated fighting force – CAS assures

…Commissions Multiple Life Changing Projects

By Lawrence Audu

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar has stated that the Nigerian Air Force NAF has stated that the Force is making significant milestone in the steady but progressive journey of meeting the defence needs of modern Nigeria.

The Air Chief gave the remarks Monday in Abuja, while commissioning multiple life changing projects for the comfort and efficiency of personnel.

He noted that, the Nigerian Air Force, over some years now has faced serious accommodation challenges which has necessitated the recent expansion in force structure.

He emphasized that, to align with his command philosophy which is “To transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments”, he made a commitment to offset as much of the inherited housing deficits as possible, to ensure that our personnel are adequately motivated. This commitment includes provision of good medical care and contemporary sporting facilities for personnel and their families.

“By the favour of God Almighty, and the leadership of President and Commander in Chief of the Armed of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force under my leadership has made the outstanding infrastructural changes as you have witnessed.

“Our personnel in Abuja now have access to a modern sports complex, 56-shops mammy plaza, 40-bed hospital, fire bay and a microfinance bank. They also have a mini base, an ultramodern office complex and housing estates with recreational facilities.”

He stated further that, soon, the Asokoro Base Garden and Park will be commissioned to compliment good health and environmental conservation in that Base.

Furthermore, Abubakar noted that having envisaged the necessity of landholding to the growth of Nigerian Air Force, he sought to ensure that all landed properties belonging to the Service are properly claimed and well secured.

“Consequently, the Service is safeguarding all of its lands countrywide, and with the assistance government agencies like the Federal Capital Development Authority, is legally and humanly are reclaiming land portions that have been encroached upon”

These reclaimed lands he said, will afford the Nigerian Air Force the space to site future operational facilities and living accommodations for our growing workforce.

“Essentially, all the aforementioned infrastructural strides are a testament to our fulfilment of a key drivers of my command philosophy, which is “to maintain a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal”. He added.

According to the Air Chief, one of the projects worthy of note is the Nigerian Air Force Centre of Excellence. The Centre he said, will accommodate and provide facilities for 4 very key institutes; the Institute of Airpower Studies, Air Force War College, Air Warfare Centre and Air to Ground Integration School.

“It is envisaged that the Centre, when completed would offer first-rate air power education and learning as well as foster innovation in air power doctrinal development.

“The Centre will no doubt have a transformative impact, not just on the Nigerian Air Force, but on military aviation worldwide. Ultimately, all projects that we have commissioned today are inspired by the revived will of the Nigerian Air Force to exhaustively meet the tasks imposed on it by Nigeria; tasks that my administration have vowed to vigorously accomplish.

Abubakar appreciated the respective Branches at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters and 053 Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Camp for their professionalism and efforts in facilitating today’s commissioning.

He expressed special appreciation to the leadership of the National Assembly for enabling the fiscal releases to the Nigerian Air Force. “We are confident that you will continue to consider our specific needs as they arise.

“My profound gratitude goes to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu for his relentless support to the Nigerian Air Force.

“We as a Service pledge to be critical stakeholders in the actualization of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of his Government.

He further assured that the Nigerian Air Force’s high commitment to maintaining a well-trained and motived fighting force that is willing, able and ready to meet all of its constitutional roles.

NAF@60: NAF will maintain well-trained motivated fighting force – CAS assures

NAF@60: Special Inter-Denominational Church Services Held in Abuja, Other NAF Units

In line with activities airmarked for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 60th anniversary celebration, special interdenominational church services was held on Sunday, across NAF units nationwide.

In Abuja, the commemorative service was held at theSt Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Bill Clinton Drive, NAF Base, Abuja. The church service, which attracted a large turnout of Christian faithfuls including NAF personnel, was held to appreciate God for His mercies over the NAF and for all the numerous successes the service has continued to record in all its operations in spite of contemporary challenges.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, stated that the NAF had every reason to be grateful to God, based on its significant contributions to national security in the last 60 years. The CAS also noted that the 60th anniversary celebration presents a unique opportunity for personnel not only to celebrate but also reflect on the need to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the nation is secured and conducive for all citizens to carry out their legitimate businesses.

Air Marshal Abubakar then assured NAF personnel that his administration would continue to work assidiously to ensure that they have the required equipment and resources to discharge their duties effectively. He then reminded them of the need to continually add value to the service for effective and efficient service delivery towards enhancing national security.

Speaking further, the CAS noted that the NAF had witnessed tremendous growth in terms of human capacity development, personnel welfare, serviceable platforms, robust logistics support and expansion, amongst others, to meet the demands of national security.

In his sermon, the Chaplain of the NAF Protestant Church, Abuja, Air Cdre (Rev Dr) Dogo Gani implored all Nigerians to return to the path of God in order to get it right, stating that there was no difficulty or problem that God could not solve. “We shall overcome the challenges facing the nation if we return back to God,” the chaplain said. The NAF, he noted, remains one of the key components of Nigeria’s national security, whose role can not be overemphasized. According to him, the NAF had written its name in gold with great impact in restoring peace both within and outside the nation, noting that the greater impact is yet to come.

Intercessory prayers were later offered for the nation, the NAF leadership and personnel and those involved in the counterinsurgency operation and other internal security operations across the country as well as families of personnel who had paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation.

NAF@60: Special Inter-Denominational Church Services Held in Abuja, Other NAF Units

NAF@60: Research and Development Vital for Operational Efficiency – CAS

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has in a resounding call for innovation and self-reliance within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), highlighted the pivotal role of Research and Development in elevating operational effectiveness.

Speaking at the NAF Inter-Command Research and Development Competition today, held at the prestigious NAF Base on Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significance of fostering indigenous capabilities for the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft platforms.

During the event, which forms part of the NAF’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the necessity of cultivating local expertise to overcome the challenges inherent in aircraft maintenance. His remarks resonated with participants and spectators alike, shining a spotlight on the critical importance of technological advancement and homegrown solutions in the realm of aerial defence.

As the Nigerian Air Force continues to mark six decades of service and commitment to national security, the words of Air Marshal Abubakar serve as a clarion call for a renewed focus on research, development, and innovation within the organization. By harnessing the power of local talent and expertise, the NAF aims to enhance its operational capabilities and ensure a sustainable future for the defense of the nation.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar went down memory lane to recount a poignant moment in NAF’s history where, after acquiring 18 Jaguar aircraft in 1984, the entire fleet became grounded 7 years later with some having as little as 150 hours of total flight time majorly due to lack of spares or technical know-how. He went further to lament a similar fate with the MiG 21 aircraft, procured in 1975 and later retired in the late 1980s, with flight hours ranging from 43hrs to 469hrs. These premature retirements, he noted, underscored NAF’s struggle to sustain operations due to technical shortcomings, echoing challenges in maintaining aircraft weaponry and other critical equipment. “This, once more,” declared the CAS, “highlights the indispensable role of Research and Development in NAF’s operations.”

The CAS then went on to highlight NAF’s distinction as a trailblazer in research and development endeavours. According to him, “With the production of the Tsaigumi UAV to pioneering advancements like rocket launchers, heat shields and weaponization of Alpha Jet aircraft, the NAF has consistently showcased its competence in Research and Development innovations. These achievements have ensured the readiness and deployment of NAF platforms and equipment across operational theaters.” Recognizing the paramount importance of Research and Development, Air Marshal Abubakar, announced that he had approved the installation of 8 diverse CNC machines at the Air Force Force Research and Development Centre in Osogbo. He also added that the NAF was on the verge of signing a technology transfer agreement with a company in Europe for the production of the 57mm rocket armament. According to him, “These endeavors epitomize our commitment to prioritizing Research and Development, leveraging state-of-the-art technology, strategic partnerships, and lessons learned, in alignment with my command philosophy.”

In his opening address, the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal MN Onyebashi, elucidated the competition’s purpose which he says was to showcase innovative solutions addressing operational, maintenance, and service-related challenges within the NAF.

The occasion was graced by Branch Chiefs, senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and NAF as well as participants from NAF Commands across the country.

NAF@60: Research and Development Vital for Operational Efficiency – CAS