Nigerian Air Force Intensify Efforts To Address Mental Health Challenges Among Personnel

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is intensifying efforts to address mental health challenges among its personnel, following growing concerns for mental health issues in the military. 

This was a major highlight of the second day of the NAF Medical Conference 2025, where Air Commodore BA Yakasai (Retired) delivered a paper titled “Mental Health Challenges in the NAF: The Need for Establishment of a Rehabilitation Centre.”

 In his presentation, Air Cdre Yakasai underscored the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among military personnel, emphasising the urgent need for structured intervention. 

He advocated for the immediate establishment of a NAF Rehabilitation Centre to provide comprehensive psychological support, counselling, and reintegration programmes for affected personnel.  

During the interactive session, stakeholders acknowledged that airmen and women operate in high-pressure environments, often exposed to combat stress, trauma, and operational fatigue. 

While recognising NAF’s progress in medical service delivery, participants agreed that mental health remains a critical area requiring intervention.  

Stakeholders advocated for regular psychological evaluations, increased awareness campaigns, and the integration of mental health education into NAF’s training curriculum. 

The keen deliberations on the proposed actionable steps, reflects the commitment of the NAF in safeguarding the psychological well-being of airmen and women, ultimately enhancing their welfare and operational effectiveness.