The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar on Tuesday tasked the personnel of the service to internalise the principles of accountability and professionalism in all logistical operations for optimal performance.
The CAS gave the charge while speaking in Abuja at the 2024 Logistics Conference with the theme ‘Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Operations for Robust National Security Through Proactive Logistics Support and Strong Maintenance Culture’.
While pointing out that in order to sustain air power, he stated the Nigerian Air Force must sustain the systems, processes and people that make it possible.
According to him, “It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to internalize the principles of accountability and professionalism in all logistical operations.
“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.”
The CAS stressed 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 furtherance of national security objectives.
According to him, “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 amongst 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 centres 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 facilitate 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 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 per cent across NAF units, and targeted interventions are being planned to further reduce this to 50 per cent within a short time.
“We also continue to ensure the steady availability of POL for uninterrupted operations. 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 at enhancing our logistics provisioning in all spheres.
“No doubt, achieving this logistical feat requires focused investment in 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 urged participants to embrace innovation, uphold discipline and work with an unyielding commitment to achieving my Command Philosophy.
According to him, “Together, through proactive logistics support and a robust maintenance culture, we will maintain the operational readiness of the Nigerian Air Force and ensure the defence of our great nation.”
Welcoming participants to the Conference, NAF chief of Logistics Air Vice Marshal P I Philips urged them to take the conference because of its importance to the operations of the service.
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