Nigeria’s Air Force Seeks Fleet Expansion, Infrastructure Boost

ABUJA, Nigeria — The head of the Nigerian Air Force has called for the urgent acquisition of more helicopters and a streamlining of funding to help the service meet its national security mandates.

The request was made by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, during a visit by the Ministry of Defence’s Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwa, to the Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

The visit, part of a familiarisation tour of Nigeria’s armed services, was intended to strengthen the “institutional framework” between the civilian ministry and the military high command.

A Growing Force

As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgency and banditry, Air Marshal Aneke outlined a series of requirements to maintain operational momentum:

• Hardware: The acquisition of additional helicopters to support aerial surveillance and combat operations.
• Infrastructure: The development of new accommodation and facilities to support the service’s ongoing expansion.
• Personnel: The regularisation of teaching and medical staff within Air Force schools and hospitals to boost morale and service delivery.

The Air Force chief stressed that “timely approvals and releases of funds” are critical to ensuring the service remains professional and effective.

Government Commitment

In response, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Pheelangwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Air Force. He praised the professionalism of the personnel and noted that the strategic direction of the Armed Forces remains a top priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The meeting underscores an ongoing effort within the Nigerian government to modernise its military capabilities. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Defence also announced a new partnership with the Ministry of Science and Technology to develop indigenous solutions for the military, including renewable energy for barracks and locally manufactured surveillance tech.

Observers say the push for better infrastructure and more hardware is a response to the heavy workload placed on the Air Force, which has been central to the government’s strategy in neutralizing criminal hideouts across the country’s vast northern regions.