Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), particularly in safeguarding strategic installations and enhancing security across the state.

The governor spoke at Lagos House, Marina, while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff and his delegation on a courtesy visit.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos remains conscious of its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic progress, stressing that the state would continue to provide necessary support to the Armed Forces to protect critical national assets.

“The Nigerian Air Force and the Lagos State Government have been in partnership for a long time. Your strategic installations and facilities in Lagos are critical, and we will continue to ensure they are adequately safeguarded,” he said.

He praised the professionalism of Air Force officers deployed to the state, describing them as competent and capable, while assuring the delegation that previous commitments made by the state government to the Air Force would be honoured.

The governor also acknowledged the request for the establishment of an Air Force base around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, noting that such a move would further strengthen the security architecture of the airport.

“We have taken note of your request for a base around the international airport. It will further enhance capacity and security, considering the strategic nature of the area and its surrounding waterways,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He pledged continued collaboration with the Air Force, as well as other security agencies, to ensure the safety of residents and critical infrastructure in Lagos.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, called for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Lagos State Government, citing evolving security challenges and the strategic importance of Lagos to national stability and economic growth.

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He described the courtesy visit as one of his earliest official engagements since assuming office.

He said the visit underscored the importance of Lagos State, noting that the Air Force maintains one of its earliest and major operational bases in the state.

“Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria. If it’s not Lagos, it’s nowhere,” he said, commending the state government for its infrastructure development, transportation projects and sustained investment in security.

The Air Chief praised Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and commitment to security, saying the state has consistently remained ahead in adopting modern and intelligent security solutions.

He revealed that the Air Force is prepared to support Lagos with advanced surveillance capabilities, particularly through the deployment and management of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“What can take days to observe on the ground can be seen within minutes from the air. Our expertise in unmanned aerial systems can greatly benefit Lagos if we continue this partnership,” he said.

He assured the governor of the Air Force’s readiness to provide technical support, manpower and expertise to ensure effective deployment and utilisation of security equipment.

The CAS also expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to his wife during an earlier visit to Lagos, describing it as a reflection of the state government’s warmth and respect for the Armed Forces.