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By Tracy Moses
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has pledged the committee’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s air defence capabilities through robust and consistent legislative support.
Hon. Rurum made this statement during the committee’s 2025 oversight tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) facilities across Kaduna, Kano, Maiduguri, and Makurdi. He emphasized that the visit aligns with the National Assembly’s constitutional mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within the NAF.
The oversight exercise focused on assessing infrastructure conditions, personnel welfare, budget implementation, and the operational readiness of NAF units stationed in these strategically significant regions.
At the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna, Hon. Rurum remarked, “As members of the Tenth House of Representatives, our guiding principles are accountability, transparency, and dedicated service to the Nigerian people.
“The Armed Forces constitute the bedrock of our national security, with the Air Force playing a pivotal role in counter-terrorism, internal security, and safeguarding Nigeria’s airspace sovereignty.
“Kaduna holds strategic importance within the Air Force’s operational landscape, hosting vital training schools, logistics centers, and operational units. Our objective during this visit is to engage, evaluate, and report back to the National Assembly to strengthen legislative support for the Air Force.”
In Kano, Hon. Rurum led the delegation to the 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS), the 465 Nigerian Air Force Hospital (465 NAFH), and the 455 Base Services Group (455 BSG).
“These institutions are crucial for training, welfare, and operational support of our Air Force personnel,” he noted. “We commend the leadership and all officers for their relentless commitment to Nigeria’s defence and stability. Your professionalism, courage, and sacrifices are sincerely valued.”
However, during inspections in Kaduna, the committee identified persistent issues such as chronic underfunding of essential operations and infrastructure, delays in the release of capital funds, poor welfare conditions, inadequate housing for personnel, late payment of salaries and allowances, and aging, overused equipment.
“We are deeply concerned about these challenges as they adversely affect morale, operational readiness, and the overall effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force,” Hon. Rurum stressed. “The Committee will address these matters with utmost priority.”
At the Maiduguri Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, expressed gratitude to the frontline officers and assured them of continued collaboration between the legislative and executive branches to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
“We are honoured to visit Maiduguri, the frontline in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism and insurgency, in line with our constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
“This oversight is more than routine—it offers an invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand the operational hurdles faced by our courageous airmen and to deepen our understanding of their frontline service.
“Our presence here signals solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force, especially those deployed in conflict zones. As Deputy Chairman and a retired Air Vice Marshal, I personally identify with your experiences. I am aware of the daily dangers, the extended hours on high alert, and the significant responsibilities you bear. Your concerns are central to every legislative dialogue I participate in.”
Addressing personnel at the Makurdi NAF Base in Benue State, Hon. Ojuawo lauded the Air Force for its professionalism, discipline, and unwavering dedication despite numerous operational challenges.
“We have witnessed the passion and commitment that define the personnel here in Makurdi. Your devotion to national service, despite hurdles such as poor infrastructure, funding delays, and evolving security threats, is truly commendable,” he stated.
“Thanks to your sacrifices, millions of Nigerians enjoy peace and security. Our Committee remains steadfast in advocating for improved funding, timely capital releases, and focused investments to address gaps in personnel welfare, housing, and operational resources. We pledge to present your concerns to the National Assembly with determination to ensure the Nigerian Air Force receives the necessary support for optimal performance.”
At the Maiduguri Base Services Group, Commander Group Captain Nwachukwu expressed appreciation for the lawmakers’ commitment to reinforcing Nigeria’s air defence system. He highlighted ongoing challenges, including inadequate funding, the need for continuous training of flight cadets, and insufficient accommodation for personnel.
Observers noted that across all four locations visited, the committee’s attention centered on funding shortages, delays in capital disbursement, and accommodation deficits—factors that threaten morale and operational efficiency within the Air Force.
During the visits, the committee engaged senior officers and personnel, received detailed briefings on operations and logistics, and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to provide continuous legislative backing to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s capabilities.
The insights gathered during the oversight tours will inform the committee’s formal recommendations to the House of Representatives and guide future legislative initiatives in the defence and security sectors.