The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ended a series of activities held from May 14-25 to mark its 60th anniversary. With the theme: ‘Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security,’ the Air Force had a two-day international conference and exhibition held alongside the Third Edition of the African Air Forces Forum in Abuja, which attracted Chiefs of Air Staff from other countries and other stakeholders in defence, aviation and aerospace industries sector. The anniversary celebrations capped with Ceremonial Parade and Aerial Display at NAF Base, Kaduna, which was also used to pay special tribute to NAF’s fallen heroes, surviving veterans, as well as its unwavering dedication to serving the nation.
The Nigerian Air Force came as a way to wean the country of reliance on foreign air forces, especially in the airlift of troops and equipment for peacekeeping missions, especially to the Republic of Congo in the early 1960s and Tanganyika (now Tanzania) in 1959. The Ethiopian Air Force trained the first group of 10 cadets in 1962, while in 1963, 16 were trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force and six with the Indian Air Force. On April 19, 1964, the German Air Force Assistance Group (GAFAG) signed an agreement with Nigeria to establish and provide essential support in training of Nigerian personnel, both locally and abroad.
But the military coup of January 15, 1966 and the civil war in 1967 thrust the fledgling Air Force into the conflict, barely after three years of its existence. The situation ended the GAFAG contract and officers from the Nigerian Army were seconded to NAF with Lt Col George Kurubo becoming the inaugural indigenous Commander on January 16, 1966. At the end of the war in 1970, NAF possessed a fleet of 71 aircraft and kicked off an era of reorganisation in the service. In 1975, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) John N Yisa-Doko became the first officer of NAF origin to become Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
It experienced substantial growth along with establishment of operational bases in Makurdi and Kainji and other key institutions. By 1985, the NAF had developed into a balanced force with tactical air power capability. But after the abortive coup of 1985, the NAF slide into gradual decline in growth, development, professionalism, equipment and aircraft inventory as a result of either deliberate policy of neglect or politicisation of the military as a result of its involvement in governance. This stunted growth persisted until the return to democracy in 1999, which kicked off the revitalisation of the service.
To its credit, the Air Force actively participated in the Civil War (1967-1970), played a crucial role in quelling the Maitatsine uprising in the 1980s, tackled Niger Delta militancy (2000-2010), and has been actively involved in countering on-going Boko Haram insurgency and banditry. Indeed, in the last eight months, NAF has received about eight new aircraft into its inventory. In the next 18 months, it is billed to receive another 48.
We, at Daily Trust, congratulate the Air Force on its 60th anniversary. We also appreciate its contributions to preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity, especially in the area of the fight against terrorism and banditry.
But more is required. The Air Force should sharpen its skills and deploy its best, in collaboration with other sister agencies, in not only winning the hearts and minds of the citizens, but towards addressing the myriads of security challenges confronting Nigeria. It should also guard against any mistakes in its operations.
In addition, the NAF should make the recent crashes of its aircraft a thing of the past by carrying out comprehensive safety audits and review of its existing protocols and procedures, including assessing every aspect of its operations, from pre-flight checks to maintenance procedures, to identify and address potential safety risks.
The Air Force should also enhance the training/retraining of its pilots and technical personnel in the areas of emergency procedures, risk assessment, as well as updates on the latest ICAO safety guidelines to ensure they are well-prepared for any eventuality.
It should recognise and deploy the transformative potentials of new technological breakthroughs, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its operations. Generally, the NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, should continue to sustain domination of the battlespace. The threats posed by criminal elements should be minimised. The service is crucial to the survival of the country, especially in resolving the insecurity across all areas of the nation. It must do more.