UYO, NIGERIA – The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has lauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for its commitment to national defence following the donation of land for a new Forward Operational Base (FOB). The new base is strategically located to enhance Nigeria’s air power and maritime security operations in the South-South, a region critical to national and regional stability.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, in Uyo on July 31, 2025, Air Marshal Abubakar described the gesture as “pivotal to accelerating the development of critical operational infrastructure.” He noted that the base would not only boost national defence capabilities but also support civil commerce, investment, and tourism across the coastal region.
“The FOB, when established,” the CAS stated, “will provide further assurance of the safety and security of persons and property, thereby fostering the entrenchment of Akwa Ibom State as a very good investment and tourism destination.” He added that the deepening collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the state government reflects responsible governance and productive synergy. “The partnership we are building here is not only about air operations; it is about investing in the future of our country, and ensuring that we leave behind a more secure, resilient, and prosperous Nigeria.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians, emphasising that the service’s growing presence in the region would reinforce existing security structures and boost investor confidence, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea corridor, which faces maritime threats and transnational crimes.
In his response, Governor Umo Bassey Eno described the CAS’s visit as a testament to Akwa Ibom’s “rising strategic importance in Nigeria’s security architecture.” He pledged sustained support for the Nigerian Air Force, affirming that “a safe and secure society is the bedrock of development.”
As part of the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar also paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Obong Edidem Charles D. Abia, the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area. The CAS acknowledged the vital role of traditional institutions in cooperating with security agencies, noting that such support is essential for regional stability and social harmony. In his remarks, Obong Edidem Abia commended the NAF’s expanding footprint in the region and pledged continued support from the traditional institution.
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