The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the unshakeable dedication of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to national security, vowing that the NAF will relentlessly hunt down and eliminate all threats to the country’s peace. Speaking today, 29 January 2025, at the NAF Administration and Personnel Management Seminar in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar declared, that the NAF’s effective employment of airpower will extend the long arm of the law, bringing justice to criminals hiding in ungoverned spaces. Speaking further, the CAS emphasised that ongoing air operations against criminal elements demonstrate the Air Force’s resolve to protect innocent lives and restore peace across the nation. In his words; “We will find, fix, and strike all those who take arms against the State, and we will not relent until Nigeria is safe for all.”

The CAS also emphasised that sound administration and personnel management are essential for the success of military operations. He highlighted the seminar’s theme, “Optimizing Contemporary Human Resource Techniques to Enhance Ongoing Transformation Initiatives of the NAF,” as crucial in aligning human resource practices with the evolving security landscape. Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that under his leadership, NAF has significantly expanded. To support this expansion, the NAF is investing in modernized Human Resource Management (HRM), digitalized record-keeping, and enhanced training programs. He also outlined significant improvements in personnel welfare, including better medical facilities, expanded accommodation, and improved insurance policies.

Significantly, he noted that over 2,972 personnel have benefited from new or renovated housing, reflecting the NAF’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its officers, airmen and airwomen.

Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that 601 personnel of the Admin branch had undergone specialized training since he assumed office. The training, conducted at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM), aims to enhance leadership and management skills across all ranks. He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continued support of the Nigerian Air Force, as well as to retired officers and distinguished guests whose insights would enrich discussions at the Seminar.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, highlighted the Seminar’s importance in addressing emerging manpower requirements amidst recent structural transformations within the NAF. He noted that the recent establishment the NAF Transformation & Innovation and Civil-Military Relations Branches as well as the Directorates of Peace Support Operations, Air Worthiness & Certification, Lands Administration, and Project Monitoring, necessitates a shift from traditional skills to more specialised expertise. He expressed gratitude to the CAS for his unwavering support for administrative reforms and extended appreciation to participants, including distinguished resource persons, for their expected contributions to advancing HRM within the NAF.

Distinguished participants at the Seminar include; the Director General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, the President and Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, amongst others, in addition to seasoned NAF personnel administrators, serving and retired. As deliberations unfold, the 2-day event is expected to provide actionable strategies to refine NAF HRM practices, ensuring that the Service remains at the forefront of national security efforts with a highly skilled and motivated workforce.