By Uriel Ihotu
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has urged officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to uphold fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability as vital tools for sustaining operational readiness and safeguarding national security.
He gave the charge on Thursday, September 11, at the opening of the 2025 NAF Finance Conference and Retreat, held at the Nigerian Air Force School of Finance and Accounts (NAFSFA) in Ajia, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Abubakar stressed that prudent management of resources goes beyond administrative responsibility, describing it as a moral duty with direct implications for the NAF’s ability to train, equip personnel, and execute operations without financial constraints.
“When resources are managed with integrity and prudence, the NAF is better positioned to remain combat-ready and effectively deliver on its constitutional mandate of protecting the nation,” the Air Chief said.
The two-day retreat, themed “Sustainable Resource Management for Effective Air Power Delivery,” brought together senior officers, finance experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for efficient resource utilization.
Delivering a keynote address, the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation—represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Samuel Omenka—emphasized the importance of transparency and strategic budgeting in the face of dwindling resources and competing national priorities. He noted that a disciplined financial culture within the NAF would ensure funds are directed toward initiatives with the greatest impact on national security.
Abubakar commended the Accounts and Budget Branch for organizing the retreat and praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, including the dualization of the access road to the Ajia NAF Base. He also described the hosting of the event at the newly commissioned NAF School of Finance and Accounts as symbolic, given its role in building the capacity of finance officers and instilling best practices in resource management.
Speaking at the event, Chief of Accounts and Budget, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, underscored the strategic importance of finance officers in the military structure. “Our responsibility is not merely about balancing figures. It is about ensuring that every naira spent strengthens the NAF’s operational capacity and contributes directly to national security. That is the essence of stewardship,” he said.
The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubumi Oni; the Accountant General of Oyo State, Mrs. Kike Adegoke; senior NAF officers; and finance professionals.
As part of the event, the CAS also toured the NAFSFA facilities and commissioned the newly established NAF Finance Specialty Hall of Fame. The retreat will continue with expert-led sessions designed to equip finance personnel with practical tools for maintaining fiscal responsibility while supporting the Air Force’s mission of defending Nigeria’s skies.
