By Sumaila Ogbaje, NAN
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, says the Federal Government of Nigeria under Bola Tinubu, has made substantial investment in platforms and equipment acquisition for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Badaru made this known at the opening of the 3rd African Air Forces Forum, organised as part of activities to mark the 60th Anniversary of the NAF, on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the forum is, “Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security”.
“The technological and innovative solutions that will be displayed during the exhibition will be adopted towards addressing the merit of security challenges facing our dear continent.
“May I at this juncture, place on record that the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu, has made substantial investment in platforms and equipment acquisition for the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is also complemented with continuous support to the service to reactivate and upgrade its existing platforms via both local and international partnerships,” he said.
Badaru said the forum also formed parts of efforts geared toward complementing government support to the service to maximally exploit available resources for enhanced operational effectiveness.
According to him, the event will further deepen international cooperation and mutual trust between the NAF and other participating air forces and companies in a bid to achieve greater technological innovation and increase combat readiness.
He reiterated that no effort would be spared in ensuring that peace and security are restored in the country, saying that security was one of the major pillars of the present administration.
The minister said the nation and indeed countries around the globe were currently undergoing turbulent times with regard to security.
He said the Nigerian air force had made significant contributions to the joint effort in countering terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and several other criminal activities that had threatened Nigeria’s corporate existence.
“I am therefore pleased to state that a lot has been achieved in the internal security operation in the country, where the excesses of criminal elements are being curtailed.
“The sophistication of those strikes and the rapidity with which they evolve and transcend international frontiers, underscored the need for the NAF to collaborate with other air forces and industry players for optimal efforts.
“Therefore, I’m hopeful that in keeping with its theme, the discourse during this event will emphasise the importance of cooperation and collaboration between NAF and other air forces of other countries and nations.
“This is critical to effective employment of air power capabilities in promoting stability and in border perspective, shaping the development of Nigerian Air Force and other air force on the continent,” he said.
Badaru commended the NAF in the area of technological advancement and the renewed focus on research, innovation and self-reliance by Chief of the Air Staff.
This, according to him is quite visionary and builds on a tradition that the NAF had established over the years to attain its enviable heights.
“I am aware that the NAF also strives to extend its collaboration outside the military and by this I mean collaboration with the academia, think-tanks, civilian technology hubs and independent innovators and creators through strategic partnerships.
“I am equally aware that many companies, including original equipment manufacturers as well as maintenance and repair organisation, will be part of this exhibition.
“Events of this nature are parts of efforts geared toward complementing government support to the service in order to maximally exploit available resources for enhanced operational effectiveness,” he added. (NAN)