Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commissioned and formally handed over a fully furnished, state-of-the-art Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex in Umuahia to the Nigerian Air Force, describing the project as a strategic investment in strengthening security across Abia State and the South-East.
The state-of-the-art facility, fully built and furnished by the Abia State Government, is expected to serve as the operational administrative headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in the state.
The facility comprises an auditorium, registry, clinic, armoury, kitchen, canteen, conference hall, commander’s office and administrative offices, alongside supporting infrastructure including a gatehouse, guard room, quarter guard and observation posts.
Speaking during the inauguration and handover ceremony on Friday, Governor Otti noted that the project is “another major milestone” in his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that it reflects the gains of collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments.
He said the facility underscored the state’s determination to provide the Armed Forces with the infrastructure required to effectively protect residents and visitors.
According to the governor, the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia fulfils a long-held aspiration and completes the footprint of the Armed Forces in the state, complementing the existing Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks in Ohafia and the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance in Owerrinta.
“This is another bold step towards ensuring that every part of Abia remains safe from all forms of security threats.Â
“Security remains fundamental to sustainable development, and our administration will continue to invest in initiatives that guarantee the safety of our people”, he said.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of the Air Staff for supporting the establishment of the Air Force’s presence in the state.
The Governor assured the Nigerian Air Force of the state’s continued support to enable it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
He disclosed that the state had already allocated 120 hectares of land at the proposed Abia Airport in Nsulu for the development of a permanent Air Force base.
He said construction of the base would commence after the completion of the airport runway, adding that residential accommodation had already been secured for Air Force personnel in Umuahia to facilitate their smooth deployment.
The governor said that his administration intends to partner with the Nigerian Air Force in the areas of education and human capital development, in addition to security collaboration.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), commended the Abia Government for constructing the facility, stressing that the project is a strategic investment in national security and a model of effective collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments.
The Defence Minister commended the Otti led administration for recognising the critical role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s peace, unity and territorial integrity, describing the facility as a practical demonstration of partnership and a model of how state governments could contribute meaningfully to national security.
The minister said the new administrative complex would improve administrative efficiency, personnel management and operational readiness, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the service.
He also commended the Chief of the Air Staff for his commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the Air Force and urged personnel deployed to Abia to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence to supporting Abia and the South-East in addressing security challenges.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement, saying it established the Nigerian Air Force’s first permanent operational presence in Abia.
Aneke while expressing appreciation to the Abia Government for its commitment to national security, said the permanent presence of the NAF would strengthen security, expand operational reach and support socio-economic development across Abia and the South-East.
According to him, the state government provided a fully furnished administrative complex, residential accommodation for personnel and a Certificate of Occupancy covering 120 hectares of land at the proposed Abia Airport in Nsulu for the permanent Air Force base.
The Chief of Air Staff described the intervention as an unprecedented investment by a state government in support of the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the land was suitable for the establishment of a permanent Air Force base as well as specialised military training institutions.
He disclosed that the Air Force would explore the establishment of a military training school in Abia, particularly for jungle warfare and other specialised operational courses, adding that such a development would strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities while positioning Abia as a centre for specialised military training.
Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the policy direction, operational support and resources that had enabled the Armed Forces to enhance national security.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said the NAF Administrative Headquarters reflects the Otti led administration’s commitment to strengthening security, noting that the government regards the protection of lives and property as the foundation of prosperity.
He said the state acquired the land, issued a Certificate of Occupancy to the Nigerian Air Force and reconstructed the facility under the supervision of the Air Force Works Department, and transformed the existing structure into a purpose-built and fully furnished administrative headquarters.
Chukwumerije added that the Air Force had already submitted building plans for the permanent base, while the state had also provided temporary residential accommodation for personnel pending the completion of the permanent site.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, said the present administration had continued to prioritise the protection of lives and property through deliberate investments in security.
Ubah said the government’s interventions had restored peace to previously troubled areas of the state and described the inauguration of the Air Force operational base as a major milestone in Abia’s efforts to strengthen security.
