The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its readiness to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to airlift its staff and logistics before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
The Defence Minister gave the commendation during the roll-out ceremony of C-130 Hercules aircraft (NAF918), held on Wednesday 25 January 2023 at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, NAF, Ikeja, Lagos.
Gen Magashi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said he was pleased to recognize NAF’s preparations towards the forthcoming elections.
He said this was exemplified by the timely completion of the in-country Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of the NAF C-130H aircraft to boost its airlift capacity to support INEC.
The Minister congratulated the NAF for the technical breakthrough, noting that it further demonstrates the Service’s quest for capacity development and self-reliance in equipment maintenance.
Magashi added that the achievement is an indication that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has enormous potential for technical capacity development at in-country ventures.
Extolling the NAF’s immense contributions in combating terrorism, insurgency and other forms of security threats in the country as well as its non-kinetic campaigns in various theatres of operation, the minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and capacity development of the AFN for them to effectively perform their constitutional roles.
He further disclosed that Government has placed orders for the acquisition of airlift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft as well as ground attack, advanced jet training and combat multi-role helicopters for the NAF.
He said these additional platforms, he said would further boost the Service’s operational capabilities even as he urged NAF personnel to remain loyal and committed as well as ensure safe operations and maintenance of the Service platforms.
