Air Chief Reaffirms Commitment to Innovation and Transformation at Defence Seminar

Abuja, Nigeria – September 25, 2025 – The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to transformation, innovation, and strengthening the will to fight, as essential components of military effectiveness and national security.

Speaking at the Third Quarter 2025 Defence Headquarters and Services Transformation Seminar held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar delivered a keynote address centred on the theme: “Galvanizing the Will to Fight: Issues and Transformative Solutions for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The seminar, he said, marks another important milestone in ongoing efforts to develop strategies that will boost operational readiness and national defence capabilities. He praised the dedication of military personnel operating across all six geopolitical zones, noting their continued commitment to restoring peace, law, and order through coordinated joint and inter-agency efforts.

“Victory in conflict isn’t solely determined by weapons or technology. It depends on the intangible assets — loyalty, trust, cohesion, resilience, and above all, the will to fight,” the Air Chief stated.

Drawing on the words of WWII General Erwin Rommel, he stressed the importance of quality training, describing it as the most effective form of troop welfare. He added that the will to fight encompasses psychological stability, physical fitness, ideological conviction, and trust in leadership — elements that are just as vital as military hardware.

The seminar brought together senior officers and stakeholders from across the Services to brainstorm on sustainable solutions to boost morale, deepen unit cohesion, and ensure long-term operational success.

Highlighting recent reforms in the Nigerian Air Force, the CAS announced significant strides in the application of airpower, increased focus on civilian harm mitigation during operations, and renewed efforts to encourage innovation through research and development. Among the key initiatives is the revival of the NAFSA Eagle Project — a light multi-role utility aircraft designed to bolster Nigeria’s self-reliance in aerospace technology and stimulate domestic aviation innovation.

Air Marshal Abubakar also emphasised personnel welfare as a critical enabler of operational effectiveness. He noted major infrastructure upgrades across NAF bases, the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force College of Logistics, expansion of medical services, improved insurance coverage, and comprehensive kitting for all personnel. Additionally, over 70 operational vehicles were procured in the past year, and fitness programmes have been institutionalised to ensure combat readiness.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal AH Amesinlola, commended attendees for their ongoing contributions to defence transformation. He said the seminar served as a platform for cross-service collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and tackling complex national security issues with innovative solutions.

Declaring the seminar open, the Air Chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support and provision of modern platforms to enable the Armed Forces fulfil their constitutional mandate. He urged participants to engage meaningfully and deliver actionable recommendations that would further strengthen the military’s resolve in confronting contemporary security challenges.

Zainab Uzomah- Eagle 102.3