The Nigerian Air Force decorated 19 Air Commodores elevated to Air Vice Marshal and 33 Group Captains promoted to Air Commodore with their new ranks insignia.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Chief Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar said the service added 13 new aircraft to its inventory in 2024.
He described this year’s promotion as an occasion of immense pride not only for the promoted senior officers but also for all officers, airmen, and airwomen because it occurs in the year of the Nigerian Air Force’s diamond jubilee anniversary.
“Just a few months ago, we celebrated our 60th anniversary in a global event that showcased the journey of the Nigerian Air Force from its humble beginnings into one of the most formidable Air Forces on the continent.
“Ladies and gentlemen, nothing tells this transformational story of the NAF better than the exponential growth in our aircraft holding.
“In the past year, we inducted 13 brand new aircraft into our inventory, as part of a total of 64 state-of-the-art platforms expected to be delivered in about 3 years.
“In addition to these new acquisitions, we have procured 12 pre-owned Alpha Jet aircraft from the French Air Force to support our iconic but ageing Alpha Jet fleet.”
The Air Chief stated that the Nigerian Air Force was experiencing a golden era under the current administration.
He said,” Through Mr President’s massive investments in fleet reactivation, grounded aircraft that have not flown for several years, such as the Super Puma, ATR-42, Mi-171, Agusta 109 helicopters, Bell-412, Citation Sovereign and others are gradually returning to the skies,”.
He boasted that the Nigerian Air Force has come of age. It is a towering symbol of our nation’s strength and sovereignty and an indispensable pillar of National security.
“Our extensive fleet renewal and acquisition efforts have directly translated into notable battlefield successes.”
The Air Chief added that the NAF, leveraging persistent precision strikes, close air support, and logistics operations, has collaborated effectively with sister services to disrupt terrorist activities in the Northeast and Northwest, denying them freedom of action.
“The outcomes of our joint operations and interagency collaboration are reflected in the relative peace across the nation.
Farmers are returning to their fields, and citizens from all walks of life can peacefully celebrate with their loved ones during Christmas.”
He charged the newly promoted senior officers to see their elevation not as a reward but as a higher responsibility.
“This promotion ceremony is, therefore, a well-deserved acknowledgement of your efforts and contributions to the success of the Nigerian Air Force. As we celebrate today, we must remain mindful of the challenges ahead,” he added.
To the newly promoted officers, your elevation is not merely a reward but a call to higher responsibility. Although some of you did not make it on your first attempt, you are no less deserving than those promoted before you. So then, you will need to continue to show the same exceptional determination, selfless service, and commitment to excellence which earned you your elevation. The Nigerian Air Force counts on your leadership to achieve outstanding results in every area of our core competence, and failure is not an option.
