- Expects 50 additional platforms in 2025
By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has overhauled several airfields within its base, equipping them with modern facilities to support 24-hour operations and enable its planes to land and take off at odd hours.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made this revelation during an interaction with retired personnel of the force at the Logistics Command in Lagos.
For instance, he said the Kaduna airfield now boasts an Integrated Management System (IMS) and operational runway lights, adding, “We have no business giving excuses for an airfield being non-operational at any time of the day.”
The Air Force Chief, who was represented at the event by the NAF Secretary, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ahmed Bakari, further said that the force has strengthened its combat capabilities with the delivery of 12 new platforms over the past 18 months, explaining, “These include fighter jets and transport planes, procured with support from President Bola Tinubu.”
Looking ahead, he revealed that the force is set to receive 50 additional platforms between 2025 and 2026, including helicopters and other aircraft, to bolster efforts against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
Air Marshal Abubakar said that as part of the force’s long-term vision, the NAF has established the Air Power Centre of Excellence, which will serve as a hub for research and training in airpower strategy.
His words: “The centre will bring together serving and retired officers to contribute their expertise and knowledge for the advancement of airpower. With these initiatives, NAF continues to prioritise welfare and operational efficiency as it aims to strengthen its role in national security and development.”
Earlier, the Air Force Chief announced a substantial increase in the feeding fees for students in its schools, raising the amount from N500 to N1,500 per meal, saying that this is aimed at ensuring the physical and mental well-being of children in NAF schools.
He also revealed a new admissions policy prioritising personnel and veterans over civilians for placement in NAF schools, insisting, “Henceforth, priority will be given to personnel and veterans first before considering civilians.”
In addition to the feeding fee adjustment, it was learnt that the force has also introduced an accident policy designed to support personnel injured in service. The policy has already disbursed its first payments, with some beneficiaries receiving up to N5 million.
He said, “This may not completely cover all needs, but it provides immediate relief to injured personnel. It ensures they don’t suffer unnecessarily while awaiting further intervention.”
