• Sanwo-Olu backs proposed MMIA airbase
• CAS commits to personnel welfare, inaugurate projects in Lagos
To boost security in Lagos, the Nigerian Air Force plans to deploy and maintain advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (AUVs) in the state.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, announced this yesterday when he visited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at State House, Marina.
According to the CAS, the deployment would enable operatives to view within minutes, what would ordinarily take many days to achieve.
He said: “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.
Citing evolving security challenges and the strategic importance of Lagos to national stability, economic growth; Aneke assured the governor of NAF’s readiness to provide technical support, manpower and expertise for effective deployment and utilisation of security equipment.
The CAS praised Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to security, saying the state has remained ahead in adopting modern and intelligent security solutions.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening long-standing partnership with the NAF particularly in safeguarding strategic installations and enhancing security.
According to the governor, Lagos was 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 governor also acknowledged the request for the establishment of an Air Force base around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), noting that it 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 NAF, as well as other security agencies, to ensure the safety of residents and critical infrastructure in Lagos.
As part of his working visit, the CAS also inaugurated blocks of accommodation and a multipurpose sports complex for airmen and airwomen at 055 NAFCAMP, Legico Barracks, Victoria Island, pledging to prioritise welfare of personnel.
Aneke said that providing a conducive environment for the soldiers and their families to reside in will enable them give their best in the discharge of their duties.
“My command philosophy is to enhance and sustain a highly motivated professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.
“These facilities represent a significant departure from the traditional barrack concept to which we have long been used to and accustomed to.
“Distinguished by thoughtful architectural design and executed to the highest standards of construction, they stand as a remarkable edifice, both functional in purpose and pleasing in appearance,” he said.
Aneke insisted that the barrack should be maintained exclusively for airmen and airwomen indicating that the welfare of the personnel. must be given the highest priority.
“Furthermore, the strategic location of Legico barracks within Lagos State enhances its status as one of the most desirable and dignified residential environments for service personnel anywhere in the country,” the CAS said.
Aneke complimented the immediate CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar (rtd) for initiating the project which he had come to complete and bring into reality.
“These set of buildings did not appear from nowhere. It took the mind, brain and time of Abubakar who is strategic and forward-thinking to bring a new concept that we all must continue to build upon.
“I’m only coming in to take the glory, but he has done all the sweats. He has done everything possible therefore I give honour to whom honour is due,” he said.
The CAS added that the timely completion was deliberately prioritised under his administration in line with his unwavering commitment to improving the living and working condition of NAF personnel.
“Adequate housing significantly reduces welfare related pressure, promotes stability on the home front and enables our personnel to devote their full attention to assigned operational duties.
“You cannot function properly if you don’t have the right housing and I know how it feels when you are posted and your family is not comfortable.
“So, we will do everything possible to ensure that your families are comfortable enough for you to give us your best,” he said.
Aneke urged all personnel who occupy and utilise the facility to uphold the highest standards of discipline and responsibility.
“Let these facilities remain a source of comfort, dignity, and motivation for both present and future occupants,” the CAS said.
Aneke said that the commissioning would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the federal government and the leadership of the National Assembly, whose fiscal interventions made these projects achievable.
