The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Ministry of Defence have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s airpower capability and enhancing national security operations through closer institutional collaboration.
This commitment was reiterated on Wednesday when the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Kelvin Aneke, received the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, during a familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke described the visit as timely, noting that the Air Force is currently expanding its operational engagements across multiple theatres in the country. He stressed that sustained collaboration between the Air Force and the Ministry of Defence is essential for advancing defence readiness and improving operational effectiveness.
The CAS outlined several strategic priorities requiring continued institutional support, including infrastructure development, fleet modernisation, personnel welfare, and capacity building within the service.
He emphasised the need to strengthen operational infrastructure across NAF bases and maintain progress in the acquisition and integration of new air platforms and related facilities. According to him, improving human resource development through expanded training opportunities and ensuring the availability of critical operational equipment remain vital to sustaining ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
In his remarks, Pheelangwah commended the Nigerian Air Force for its growing role in safeguarding the country and acknowledged the importance of aligning policy support with operational requirements.
He assured the Air Force of the ministry’s continued support in facilitating key initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving procurement processes, and enhancing personnel development.
Both leaders expressed confidence that sustained cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force would further strengthen force capability, consolidate operational gains, and contribute to the stability and security of the nation.
