The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed that fiscal discipline and accountability are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s national security and sustaining the operational readiness of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). He made this assertion while declaring open the 2025 Nigerian Air Force Finance Conference and Retreat on 11 September, at the NAF School of Finance and Accounts (NAFSFA), Ajia-Ibadan.

In his opening remarks, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that responsible financial management is more than just an administrative function it is a moral duty that directly impacts the effectiveness of military operations. According to him, when resources are managed with integrity and transparency, the NAF can better train, equip, and deploy its personnel without financial constraints.

“Every officer, from the highest levels of command to the most junior ranks, must embrace accountability as a core value,” the CAS stated. “It is a collective responsibility essential to the integrity of our institution and the security of our nation.”

Commending the Accounts and Budget Branch for organizing the retreat, themed “Sustainable Resource Management for Effective Air Power Delivery”, the CAS described the event as both timely and strategic. He noted that it provides a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in financial stewardship within the Service.

Delivering the keynote address on “Improving the NAF’s Budget and Financial Management Practices to Sustain Airpower Capabilities in a Resource-Constrained Era”, the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Samuel Omenka—highlighted the importance of optimizing limited resources amid growing national demands. He stressed that effective budgeting, fiscal transparency, and accountability are essential to sustaining airpower in today’s challenging economic environment.

Reflecting on the significance of the venue, Air Marshal Abubakar recalled the commissioning of the NAF School of Finance and Accounts earlier in the year during the Service’s 61st anniversary celebrations. He noted that hosting the retreat at NAFSFA reinforces its growing role as a centre of excellence for finance training and resource management within the military.

The CAS also expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government and the people of the state for their continued support. He particularly appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the dualisation of the access road to the NAF Base in Ajia, calling it a gesture that reflects a strong and enduring partnership between the State and the Nigerian Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, Chief of Accounts and Budget, further highlighted the vital role of finance officers in ensuring operational integrity. He noted that the retreat offers an opportunity for finance personnel to enhance their competencies, strengthen ethical practices, and innovate in financial processes.

“Our responsibility goes beyond balancing the books,” he said. “It is about ensuring that every naira allocated directly translates into operational strength and national security. That is the essence of the stewardship the CAS continues to champion.”

Dignitaries at the event included the Head of Service of Oyo State, Mrs. Olubumi Oni; the State Accountant General, Mrs. Kike Adegoke; senior NAF officers; financial experts; and other stakeholders. As part of the event, the CAS and other dignitaries toured key facilities at the NAFSFA and commissioned the NAF Finance Specialty Hall of Fame.

The two-day retreat features expert-led sessions and technical discussions designed to equip NAF finance personnel with practical skills and strategies to uphold fiscal responsibility while enhancing the operational mandate of the Service.

---