CAS Abubakar Highlights Cornerstones Of Nigerian Air Force’s Operational Readiness

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed that fiscal discipline and accountability are central to sustaining Nigeria’s national security and operational effectiveness.

Speaking at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Finance Conference and Retreat 2025, held at the NAF School of Finance and Accounts (NAFSFA), Ajia-Ibadan, he emphasised that the prudent management of resources is both a moral imperative and a necessity for maintaining readiness, training personnel, and executing operational directives without financial encumbrances.

He commended the Accounts and Budget Branch for convening the retreat themed “Sustainable Resource Management for Effective Air Power Delivery”, noting its timeliness in driving innovation and knowledge sharing.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Samuel Omenka, stressed the need for resource optimisation amidst competing national demands.

He highlighted that transparency, accountability, and effective budgeting are indispensable for sustaining airpower capabilities, adding that a disciplined financial culture within the NAF will ensure scarce resources deliver maximum impact on national defence.

The CAS also recalled the commissioning of NAFSFA earlier in the year, describing its role as both a professional training hub for finance officers and a national resource centre.

He further expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Oyo State for their consistent support, particularly Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of the dualisation of the access road to the NAF Base in Ajia, which he described as a gesture symbolising enduring partnership between the State and the Air Force.

Also speaking, the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, emphasised the critical responsibility of finance officers in safeguarding NAF’s credibility and ensuring every naira directly translates into operational capability.

Dignitaries present included the Head of Service of Oyo State, Mrs Olubumi Oni; the Accountant General of Oyo State, Mrs Kike Adegoke FCA; senior NAF officers; and other stakeholders.

Participants also witnessed the commissioning of the NAF Finance Specialty Hall of Fame.

The retreat continued with expert-led sessions designed to sharpen financial stewardship and strengthen the Service’s operational mandate.