The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, on Monday inaugurated the newly completed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters Annex in Gudu, Abuja.
Badaru described the facility as a testament to the NAF’s dedication to institutional growth and operational excellence.
He said the new structure reflected the service’s foresight and determination to address its expanding administrative and operational needs driven by evolving national security responsibilities.
The minister noted that since its establishment in 1964, the Air Force had grown significantly in scope and duties, which had overstretched the main headquarters in Garki despite previous expansions.
According to him, the current NAF leadership, under the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, took proactive measures to remodel and complete the Gudu facility to ease congestion at the headquarters.
“This complex reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to operational excellence, strategic foresight, and institutional consolidation. It is also in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises security, welfare, and infrastructure as foundations of national stability,” he said.
Badaru commended Abubakar for his visionary leadership and prudent resource management, urging personnel to maintain the facility with discipline, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility.
In his remarks, Abubakar said the four-storey building was initially designed as a hotel but was later acquired by the NAF in an unfinished state before being remodelled and completed within a year by NAF engineers and works personnel.
He explained that the project exemplified his command philosophy of transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force through improved welfare, infrastructural renewal, and efficient resource management.
Abubakar revealed that more than 574 infrastructural projects had been initiated across NAF formations, with 412 completed and 162 ongoing, to boost morale and operational effectiveness.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration, NAF, AVM Idi Sani, said the new complex was designed to decongest the main headquarters and enhance administrative efficiency, coordination, and productivity.
He described the structure as “a symbol of the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to excellence and service to the nation.”
The inauguration was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; senior military officers; retired service chiefs; members of the National Assembly; and other dignitaries.
(NAN)