Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), recently emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recruits and enlists suitable applicants based solely on the organization’s specific needs and specialties, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery. He also mentioned that the NAF conducts talent hunts when necessary to identify and enlist young Nigerians who possess the skills required by the NAF.
During a meeting with members of the Air Power Consult on July 26, 2023, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar announced his decision to overhaul the entire NAF operations due to the dynamic and uncertain operating environment. This overhaul would enable better planning and appropriate allocation of roles and tasks. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of incorporating lessons learned into NAF air operational planning, which helps identify recurring weaknesses, implement corrective actions, and validate outcomes.
The CAS praised the Consult for their invaluable support and assistance to the NAF, stating that their expertise, research, and best practices in air power have significantly enhanced the skills and proficiency of NAF pilots, engineers, and other specialists. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the Consult and NAF’s Air Warfare Centre, which have played a crucial role in driving progress and innovation in the field of air power.
Earlier, the Coordinator of Air Power Consult, retired Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Idowu, briefed the CAS on the Consult’s activities and the support it provides to the NAF. The Consult primarily assists the NAF in developing specific capabilities that the Service may not have the time to address on its own.
Some of the key areas of focus discussed during the meeting included reassessing the NAF’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) strategy, emphasizing PTSD certification for all NAF medical experts, expert review of NAF school curriculums, standards in line with international best practices, and the development plan for NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Other matters, such as personnel accommodation and documentation and archiving of NAF operations, were also addressed.
The Air Power Consult comprises a non-profit consultancy firm with 25 members, all retired NAF officers, each possessing expertise in their respective fields. Their role is to fill gaps and take on responsibilities that might distract the NAF from its core duties. The coordinator was accompanied by the Team Moderator and other retired Air Vice Marshals and an Air Commodore, each contributing their wealth of experience and knowledge to support the NAF’s mission.
