Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Friday reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to professional excellence, international collaboration, and personnel welfare as he commissioned two major infrastructure projects in Lagos as part of his tour of NAF formations.
Air Marshal Abubakar also spoke of the strategic importance of Lagos to the NAF, noting that it the home base of some of her key units and formations including the Logistics Command and the 301 Heavy Airlift Group.
The CAS said it is this strategic position that necessitated the selection of Lagos as host of the upcoming 4th African Air Forces Forum from May 21-23, 2025 as well as Nigeria’s first-ever international air show, scheduled for December 2025.
He also reflected on his recent assumption of leadership of the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF), a regional organisation comprising over 30 African Air Forces in partnership with the United States, describing this position as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen partnerships and enhance airpower capabilities across the continent.
Speaking further, the CAS underscored the importance of personnel welfare, particularly in the provision of adequate housing. He noted that a secure and comfortable home ensures that military personnel can focus on their duties with stability and peace of mind.
“It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to commission two significant projects that reaffirm the Nigerian Air Force’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of its personnel,” he stated.
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.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, the CAS revealed that, as of December 2024, the NAF had initiated over 340 infrastructural projects, with 195 completed and 145 ongoing. He further noted 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).
The CAS 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 653 Base Services Group, and the contractors for their professionalism in ensuring the timely completion of the projects.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed 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. He 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 marked yet another milestone in the NAF’s ongoing transformation, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, personnel welfare, and national security.
