NAF Commissions Additional Welfare Projects In Lagos As CAS Restates Commitment To Tackle Internal Security Challenges In The Country

NAF Commissions Additional Welfare Projects In Lagos As CAS Restates Commitment To Tackle Internal Security Challenges In The Country

In its continued efforts to ensure adequate and comfortable accommodation for its personnel to enable them discharge their statutory duties efficiently and effectively, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), 19 May 2020, commissioned some projects in Lagos. The projects commissioned include a 6 x 3 bedroom Married Officers Quarters (MOQ) constructed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the SB Abubakar Golf Course, Fire and Works Squadron Building as well as an Assembly Hall for the Air Force Secondary School at 041 Communications Depot (041 CD), Shasha. Also commissioned today were a block of 24 x single bedroom Studio Apartments and refurbished Tailoring Workshop at 055 NAF Camp, Legico Barracks, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In his remarks while commissioning the projects, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command (AOC LC), Air Vice Marshal Lawal Alao, stated that the commissioning of the projects was further evidence of the resolve of the current NAF Administration towards improving the wellbeing of NAF personnel. According to him, “there have been series of infrastructural developments aimed at improving both the working and living conditions of our personnel. These included the construction of new office and living accommodations in NAF Bases across the Country to enable personnel to be more effective in the performance of their duties whilst ensuring befitting accommodation for their families”.

While reiterating the commitment of the NAF to tackle various Internal Security challenges in the Country, the CAS charged personnel to strive continuously to meet and even exceed the expectations of the Nation by protecting the citizenry and NAF critical assets. “We must endeavour to bring succor to those in despair as we discharge our constitutional responsibilities to the Nation”, he added. This, he said, was the least that was expected of them as NAF personnel at the current period of heightened insecurity. He therefore urged them to justify the resources being expended daily to improve their wellbeing by remaining committed to their professional calling. According to him, “we must do our best to justify this enormous defence expenditure in the face of the dwindling economy. In particular, you have a responsibility to ensure adequate and sustained maintenance of the infrastructure in all our Bases”.

The CAS expressed his appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his immense support to the NAF which, according to him, has made the improvement of personnel welfare possible. He equally thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retired), for the construction of the 6 x 3 bedroom MOQ in Shasha as well as other residential quarters built by the MOD in NAF Units in Abuja and other parts of the Country within the past 5 years. The CAS also commended the Commanders of the 041 CD, Air Commodore Nkem Aguiyi, and 055 NAF Camp, Wing Commander Usman Yahaya, for providing oversight of the projects during the construction phase. He enjoined them to ensure that the facilities are put to good use. Also present at the event were the NAF Director of Works, Air Commodore Ilemobayo Amodu, and Principal Staff Officers of the Logistics Command.