Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday commissioned new pilot accommodation and training infrastructure at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Kaduna, for the use of new aviators for the incoming advanced combat platforms.
The accommodation and training infrastructure is for the use of pilots of the incoming aircraft including the 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
They include six blocks of 12 one-bedroom Student Pilots’ Quarters, a block of six three-bedroom flats initiated by the Ministry of Defence and completed by the Air Force, and 30 one-bedroom studio apartments for personnel of the Military Training Centre.
During the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal Aneke said the developments are critical to readying the next generation of pilots who will operate the Service’s incoming platforms.
“In this regard, the completion of the Student Pilots’ Quarters is a major step in preparing pilots who will operate modern advanced aircraft, enabling the projection of smart and decisive airpower to eliminate terrorist threats while safeguarding our people,” he said.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the commissioning goes beyond infrastructure. “My mission here is not just about buildings but about fulfilling my command philosophy, to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives,” he stated.
The CAS expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “for his unwavering commitment to national security,” adding: “We salute President Tinubu for his unwavering support to national security, as demonstrated by his bilateral engagement with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye for defence equipment, including the acquisition of advanced helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for the Nigerian Air Force.”
Highlighting the Service’s ongoing transformation, Air Marshal Aneke disclosed that strategic engagements in the United States, Italy, and Türkiye are already yielding results. “We are fast-tracking the procurement of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, all aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness across the full spectrum of air operations,” he noted.
The CAS urged personnel to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism. “Use these structures with care and a deep sense of responsibility. Let them reflect a strong culture of maintenance and pride, ensuring they remain a source of comfort and dignity for current and future occupants,” he said.
He appreciated the former CAS, Air Marshal HB Abubakar for the foresight in initiating the project, commended the Logistics Branch, the Air Officer Commanding, and all contractors for the timely delivery of the projects, while acknowledging the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly for enabling fiscal releases that made the developments possible.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda: “We pledge to be critical stakeholders in the actualisation of a safe, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal EP Efanga, praised the leadership of the CAS and the dedication of personnel and contractors involved in completing the projects.
“These facilities mark a significant milestone in strengthening operational readiness and improving personnel welfare,” he said. “They will play a key role in preparing our pilots to operate the advanced platforms that will shape the future of the Nigerian Air Force.”
He also expressed gratitude to the CAS for his unwavering support to the Command, noting that it has been instrumental in elevating the Command to its present level of excellence.
