AS reaffirms commitment to veterans’ welfare, operational excellence
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)’s enduring commitment to its veterans’ welfare and national security excellence.
Abubakar said this during the 2025 Mid-Year Parley with Veterans in Abuja.
He paid glowing tribute to the selfless sacrifices and foundational contributions of NAF veterans, describing them as “pillars of Nigeria’s defence and national security architecture”.
The CAS stressed that their experience remained invaluable, particularly as the operational environment became more complex and dynamic.
“This gathering is both symbolic and strategic, a testament to our shared history and commitment to sustaining the proud legacy of the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
Abubakar updated the audience on key operational achievements and advancements within the air force in the last one year.
He highlighted NAF’s sustained high operational tempo across multiple theatres, with over 3,500 flight hours conducted in 1,700 sorties from January to June 2025 alone.
“These efforts contributed significantly to counterterrorism, anti-banditry, and oil theft deterrence operations nationwide.
“From 2023 to date, NAF has acquired 15 new aircraft—including A-29 Super Tucano, AW-109, King Air 360, and Beechcraft B-62 platforms.
“49 more platforms are expected by 2026, including M-346 fighter jets and C-295 transports, to strengthen its airpower projection,” he said.
The CAS said that the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe had significantly disrupted oil theft logistics networks in the Niger Delta, improved national crude output and economic stability.
He said that NAF engineers had recently carried out in-country aircraft reactivation, notably the historic 4,800-hour inspection on a Dornier 228 and the revival of multiple legacy platforms.
Abubakar said that the platforms included Mi-35 helicopters, Bell 412s, and ATR-42 aircraft, which had been grounded for over two decades.
According to him, the engineering successes reflect the growing technical self-reliance of NAF.
On infrastructure and welfare, CAS revealed that over 482 projects were ongoing across NAF bases, with 30 per cent targeted at improving living conditions.
He explained that the service aimed to cut accommodation deficits by 50 per cent before the end of 2025.
Abubakar announced the appointment of Veterans Welfare Officers at all units, tasked with identifying and addressing the needs of retired personnel.
He also directed that veterans be included in all major NAF events going forward, underscoring their continuous relevance to the service.
“Your feedback from this parley will shape future policies. This engagement remains a key pillar of our strategy,” he assured.
The CAS urged all veterans in attendance to uphold the values of honour, discipline, and dignity, emphasising the collective responsibility of both serving and retired personnel in building a strong NAF and nation.
The Chief of Administration, NAF, AVM Idi Sani, described the event as a deliberate strategic engagement designed to deepen institutional memory, and preserve the values that had shaped NAF over the years.
He said the event featured medical outreach, lectures on health and financial planning, and candid conversations about the realities of life in retirement.
“These engagements serve as a reminder that the Nigerian Air Force does not forget its own,” he said.
The Chairman, Ministry of Defence, Military Veterans Welfare Committee, retired Air Commodore Isaac Oguntuyi, commended NAF for championing the cause of veterans’ welfare.
He urged other services to emulate NAF, adding that there was need to pay attention to the veterans.
He also urged the National Assembly to pass the Veterans Federation Bill as quickly as possible with its full contents inside the bill.
Also, retired AVM Adeniyi Ojuawo, Member representing Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise/Orun Federal Constituency, encouraged military veterans to join politics to be part of decision-making.
He said that veterans had garnered extensive experiences that equipped them to be able to do well in politics.
“So, for me, I think it is necessary for them to be part of the decision-making,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
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