The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in its mission to protect the lives and property of citizens.
The pledge was made during a familiarization visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. The visit is part of an ongoing tour of the various Services under the Ministry’s purview.
Strengthening Institutional Ties
Mr. Pheelangwa stated that the primary objective of his visit was to establish a direct rapport between the Ministry and the Air Force to strengthen their existing institutional framework.
During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary commended Air Marshal Aneke and his team for their professionalism. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the President’s commitment to national security remains the guiding force for the Armed Forces’ strategic direction.
Strategic Needs and Cooperation
In his response, Air Marshal Aneke identified several key areas where the Ministry’s intervention could significantly boost personnel morale and operational efficiency. These include:
- Financial Support: Timely approvals and releases of operational funds.
- Asset Acquisition: The procurement of additional helicopters to bolster air capabilities.
- Infrastructure: Development of adequate accommodation and facilities to match the service’s expansion.
- Personnel Management: Regularization of teaching and medical staff within Air Force schools and hospitals.
The CAS assured the Permanent Secretary of the NAF’s full cooperation with the Ministry to ensure the attainment of Nigeria’s national security goals.
The visit was attended by Directors from the Ministry of Defence and Principal Staff Officers of the Air Force Headquarters.