The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) dedication to ensuring national security during the opening of the NAF Administration Personnel Seminar held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The seminar, themed “Optimizing Contemporary Human Resources to Enhance Ongoing Transformation Initiatives of the NAF,” served as a platform for addressing critical issues within the force.
In his address, Abubakar reaffirmed the NAF’s resolute commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry, underscoring the importance of safeguarding lives and restoring peace across the nation.
“Let me make it clear that air power will extend the long arm of the law, bringing justice to criminals hiding in ungoverned spaces. We will fight, fix, and strike all those who take arms against the state. I will not relax until Nigeria is safe for all,” he stated.
The CAS expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support of the NAF, acknowledging the challenges faced by the force, including issues such as Absence Without Leave (AWOL), drug abuse, and the detrimental effects of social media. He noted that these challenges hinder the NAF’s operational effectiveness.
Abubakar highlighted the seminar as an invaluable opportunity for participants to assess current practices within the NAF and to explore innovative solutions to these pressing issues.
He encouraged attendees to adopt a creative mindset and propose actionable strategies that could foster progress and enhance the service’s capabilities.
Furthermore, he stressed the need to modernize the NAF’s administrative processes, advocating for the computerization of the Personnel Management Group to facilitate efficient record-keeping and the enhancement of accommodation management software for better resource distribution.
He also pointed to the integration of data analytics to anticipate manpower needs and the implementation of digital platforms for training and career development as essential steps toward improving decision-making and operational efficiency within the force.
