The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has urged officers to internalize the principles of accountability and professionalism in all logistical operations.

The CAS made this call at the 2024 Logistics Conference held at the Blue Room Events Centre, Air Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to Abubakar, sustaining air power requires the NAF to maintain the systems, processes, and people that enable its operations.

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“It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to internalize the principles of accountability and professionalism in all logistical operations,” he said.

He added: “I am particularly enthused by the theme of the conference, *’Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Operations for Robust National Security Through Proactive Logistics Support and Strong Maintenance Culture,’* because it aptly aligns with the third driver of my command philosophy: Proactive logistics support and strong maintenance culture.”

Abubakar emphasized that proactive logistics support enhances the efficiency and resilience of Air Force supply chains, directly contributing to the high serviceability rates necessary for sustained airpower delivery in support of national security objectives.

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“As you are aware, in the past few years, the Nigerian Air Force has diversified its fleet and inducted several modern platforms, including the A-29 Super Tucano, Agusta 109 Trekker, and T-129 ATAK Helicopter fleets, among others.

“In addition, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to take delivery of the M-346 and AH-1Z aircraft between 2025 and 2026. These are all very hi-tech platforms that require highly sophisticated logistics systems to maintain and operate.

“This implies that we must emplace advanced, data-driven supply chain systems that ensure the availability of aircraft spares, consumables, armament, and sundry items where and when needed, in order to keep our fleet of aircraft flying optimally.

“This proactive logistics mindset is designed to allow us to anticipate and plan for maintenance well ahead of time, while also preventing unexpected equipment failures.

“At this point, let me also remind us that logistics is not only about aircraft. We must not lose sight of the needs of the Nigerian Air Force personnel who continually toil to keep these aircraft flying.

“Our airmen and airwomen have critical requirements such as basing and maintenance facilities, equipment, accommodation, recreational centers, and even kitting to enhance their efficiency.

In this regard, our logistics support and sustainment capabilities must remain robust, efficient, responsive, and forward-looking in order to keep pace with these complexities and enhance the overall readiness of the Nigerian Air Force.

“It is in this light that I recently held a meeting with the Logistics Branch and some key logistics appointees outside the headquarters, including the AOC Logistics Command and Comd 643 ESD, to discuss general logistics matters.

At the meeting, I reemphasized my commitment to facilitating the repositioning of logistics in every way to effectively support our air operations and other NAF logistics support needs.

“I also recently constituted a committee of officers, both serving and retired, to explore the feasibility of establishing the Nigerian Air Force College of Logistics, as well as to review the NAF Logistics Manual of 1977. Both committees have turned in their reports, which are now going through the necessary assessment process.

“I assure you that all implementable recommendations from these reports, where justified, will receive my approval.

“In the last 17–18 months, we have also doubled approvals to provide spares for aircraft resuscitation, reducing the previously 13 grounded fleet to 9 fleet and counting. We have also reduced the accommodation deficit by 25 percent across NAF units, and targeted interventions are being planned to further reduce this to 50 percent within a short time.

“We also continue to ensure the steady availability of POL for uninterrupted operations.

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Additionally, I have approved the procurement and issuance of uniforms and accoutrements to all NAF personnel on an annual basis, with the first set of issues to commence in the next few days.

These initiatives aim to enhance our logistics provisioning in all spheres.

“No doubt, achieving this logistical feat requires focused investment in the capacity building of our logistics personnel.

Thus, our logistics personnel are being trained in predictive analysis to forecast maintenance schedules, spare part requirements, and resource allocation,” he said.