Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), delivered a compelling message during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Communications Information Systems (CIS) Conference today, underscoring the indispensable significance of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in modern military operations.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Air Marshal Abubakar, in his address at the NAF Headquarters, emphasized that the NAF’s ability to harness the power of cutting-edge technology would be pivotal in achieving the highest levels of operational effectiveness and efficiency. He stated, “A profound focus on artificial intelligence can revolutionize our data processing, information analysis, and real-time decision-making, providing us with the competitive edge required to excel in our operations nationwide.”
Furthermore, the CAS highlighted the necessity for the NAF to enhance its investments in state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity measures to secure its communications. In line with the conference’s theme, “Exploiting Emerging CIS Technologies for an Agile and Resilient NAF to Effectively Meet National Security Imperatives,” Air Marshal Abubakar asserted that this theme aligns with his Command Philosophy, which aims to transform the NAF into a force capable of meeting national security demands across various operational scenarios. He urged participants to generate innovative solutions guided by this overarching philosophy.
Air Marshal Abubakar also stressed the critical role of CIS in enabling commanders to make informed decisions, coordinate forces, and ultimately achieve mission objectives. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, which is a fundamental element of his Command Philosophy.
The CAS conveyed that the presence of experienced senior officers as resource persons at the conference underscores its significance and urged participants to consider it as an opportunity to positively impact NAF’s capabilities.
In his welcome address, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, the Chief of Communication and Information Systems (CCIS), expounded on the purpose of the 2-day conference. He stated that the event aims to explore innovative CIS solutions that would enhance NAF’s operational capabilities, particularly in addressing pressing national security imperatives. Daramola emphasized that the selected theme for the conference takes into account the nation’s daunting security challenges, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in land, sea, air, and cyberspace environments.
The CCIS further highlighted the core objective of the conference, which is geared towards improving the capacity of CIS personnel and enhancing NAF operational effectiveness. Notable achievements of the CIS Branch were also mentioned, including the establishment of an Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems Maintenance Workshop and the successful implementation of the NAF Digital Correspondence System at the NAF headquarters.
The 2-day conference serves as a pivotal platform for CIS practitioners and stakeholders to engage in discussions and collaborations aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and shaping the future of CIS practices. Various stakeholders, including the National Information Technology Development Agency, National Space Research & Development Agency, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd, and Nigerian Communications Commission, were represented at the conference.
In attendance were branch chiefs from Defense and service headquarters, commandants of tri-service institutions, and CIS professionals from all NAF units.
