President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the Nigerian Air Force for living up to its constitutional responsibilities of securing the nation and justifying the huge investments of the government in the last seven years.
The President stated this on Monday while speaking at the NAF base in Kano during celebrations to mark the 58th Anniversary of the Air Force.
“The Nigerian Air Force has been able to meet its constitutional responsibilities thereby justifying the Government’s enormous support in the last 7 years. I, therefore, congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and airmen/airwomen as well as civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force on this occasion of the 58th Anniversary,” he said.
Buhari explained that the Air Force had transformed into a formidable entity, ready to confront immediate and future challenges.
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“The Nigerian Air Force has over these 58 years transformed into a formidable and resilient air force that is positioned to effectively tackle both contemporary and future security challenges.
“This adaptability has thus enabled the Service to respond effectively to our dynamic national security challenges.
“On the assumption of office in 2015, we promised to equip and re-professionalize our armed forces to perform their constitutional responsibilities more effectively, we have therefore demonstrated the required political will and leadership as well as committed resources towards capacity building and re-professionalizing of the armed forces.
“Today, I can say confidentially that the armed forces have indeed witnessed tremendous improvement in the past seven years. In particular, the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation through enhanced welfare are also ongoing,” Buhari added.
The President noted that the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation like the Super Tucanos and the Augusta helicopter gunships among others, had greatly helped turn the tide in the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors.
He assured that the administration would continue to provide more platforms to modernize the Nigerian armed forces.
“We have approved the procurement of more platforms such as the Beechcraft, some modern helicopter gunships and UAVs for the Nigerian Air Force to enable it to man our airspace more effectively,” he added.
Buhari commended the Minister of Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs as well as the leadership of the security agencies for doing their jobs well.
“I urge you to remain committed, steadfast and resolute as we forge ahead to achieving a secure, peaceful and more prosperous Nigeria,” the president said.
He also lauded the Chief of the Air Staff, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the air force for the good work they are doing to support the Government’s defence and security policies.
