The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will activate its Institute of Administrative Management to address deficiencies in manpower development and career projection of personnel.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal  Sadiq Abubakar made the disclosure during the graduation of 86 personnel of sundry courses at the Military Training Centre (MTC), NAF Base Kaduna, on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Air Chief, who was represented by Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters, AVM Muhammad Idris, added that the reactivation of the institute would ensure efficient service delivery.

NAN also report that the 86 NAF personnel completed various administrative, clerical, physical education and airmen courses, which lasted six months.

He urged the personnel to work hard and remain committed to the Nigerian Air Force.

Abubakar emphasised his determination to bequeath a highly professional and disciplined force through capacity building for effective, efficient and timely employment of air power in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.

“You would all agree with me that a lot has been done over the past four and half years to address the challenges of the Nigerian Air Force in the aspect of capacity building.

“The NAF embarked on restructuring efforts as well as the training of aircrew and non-aircrew personnel across all specialties and trades both in Nigeria and abroad.

“While these trainings are ongoing, frantic efforts were made to ensure that aircrafts were regularly available to boost NAF operations by promptly providing aircraft spares.

“This administration equally embarked on infrastructural development through the execution of over 900 projects which include the upgrade and provision of additional housing, schools, hospitals, operational and recreational facilities.

“These efforts have led to the accommodation of
over 7,500 families.

“All these efforts are aimed at enhancing the welfare of personnel thereby improving the operational output of the NAF.”

Abubakar told the graduands that NAF expects them  to always remain highly proficient while discharging their duties.

He  also reminded them that discipline remained the bedrock of any fighting force, “without which, there can be no cohesion and team work.”

The Air Chief admonished all NAF personnel to support the Government’s efforts in containing the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the various guidelines issued in response to the pandemic.

He disclosed that NAF had approved the mass production of pamphlets on various Tips for Physical Fitness exercises to keep fit during the pandemic.

Abubakar, therefore, urged the personnel to  avoid unnecessary gatherings, wear face mask, observe physical distancing and shun unnecessary interstate movements.

Earlier, the Commandant of MTC, Air Cmdr Aliyu Bello, said the the basic courses were on non-technical ground specialties for officers, airmen and airwomen, to imbibe them with skills and requisite knowledge to perform efficiently in their assigned responsibilities.

Bello assured that the Centre would continue to provide quality training to personnel in order to meet NAF’s aspirations.

He stressed that the Centre has zero tolerance for poor academic performance and indiscipline.

NAN