By Jerry Olomolaye
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has commended the Federal Government over its commitment to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through aircraft acquisition.
Abubakar gave the commendation in Abuja, during his maiden meeting with Air Officers’ Commanding, Branch Chiefs, Field Commanders and Commandants.
The meeting also, witnessed the handing over of seven Hilux vehicles to some Air Warrant Officers by the Chief of Air Staff.
Abubakar said NAF had never had it so good in terms of aircraft acquisition than it has been since 2015.
According to him, it is gratifying to note that the Federal Government has since 2015, acquired about 70 new aircraft to boost training and combat readiness of the NAF.
“In the coming months, we will be taking delivery of additional platforms to boost air power employment and projection capabilities as well as air combat training.
“No doubt, these acquisitions are clear signs of the Federal Government’s willingness to lead in combating national and regional threats to peace and security.
“Efforts have also been emplaced to enhance platform serviceability, which has led to us, maintaining an average serviceability status of over 70 per cent with positive implications on ongoing joint and independent operations,”he said.
He said with efforts emplaced to enhance platform serviceability vis-à-vis current security environment, only a carefully thought-out strategy guided by a strong philosophy could adequately situate NAF to address the nation’s security challenges.
According to him, my philosophy therefore, intends to avail our personnel with a holistic view and focus on how we intend to accomplish the NAF mission as espoused in the 2017 Nigeria National Defence Policy (NNDP) document.
He said the focus of his policy was “to transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.”
Abubakar said that NAF would leverage on technology, innovation, lessons learnt as well as the personnel and fleets at its disposal to effectively checkmate the security threats confronting the country.
The Air Force Chief identified optimisation of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness and deliberate training and mission-oriented force development as enablers to the philosophy.
He said other enablers were proactive logistics support and strong maintenance culture, prioritising research and development, leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships and lessons learnt.
At a ceremony to handover seven Hilux vehicles to some Air Warrant Officers, Abubakar said the handover of the vehicles was in line with his command philosophy.
He said the philosophy would require highly motivated officers, airmen and airwomen to drive policies, plans, programmes and activities to achieve the objectives NAF.
“The Service thus, places a high premium on ensuring that personnel remain highly motivated to deliver their best at all times for enhanced operational effectiveness.
“This is achieved by ensuring the welfare of our personnel is given adequate priority and that selflessness is rewarded.
“Handing over these Hilux vehicles is a practical commitment in this regard,”he said.