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Tag: CAS

  • NAF will get all aircraft airworthy by Q4, says CAS

    NAF will get all aircraft airworthy by Q4, says CAS

    Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar stated that significant investments have been made to ensure all operable aircraft in the NAF inventory are serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.

    Speaking at the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference at NAF Headquarters, themed “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF has been allocating significant resources to boost serviceability rates, dedicating funds to purchase consumables for quarterly maintenance of its entire aircraft fleet.

    He said, “Similarly, we have been relentless in ensuring the timely provision of critical spares as well as the provision of up-to-date technical publications, ground support equipment, tools, and specialized equipment.

    “Through these efforts, we have achieved an average serviceability rate of about 72 per cent. However, the target is 90 per cent serviceability rate across all our platforms,” he said

    “In this regard, significant investments have been made to ensure that every operable aircraft in the NAF inventory becomes serviceable by the Fourth Quarter of 2025.”

    The CAS emphasized that a robust maintenance culture is essential for high serviceability rates, enabling NAF to maintain operational effectiveness and deliver sustained air power in pursuit of national security goals.

    According to him, the NAF adopted a predictive maintenance culture in April last year, enabling the Service to anticipate and schedule maintenance ahead of time, thereby preventing unexpected equipment failures.

    He said, “As you are all aware, in the last 2 years, the NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. Fifteen brand-new aircraft were received by the NAF, including six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air aircraft, and four Diamond 62 aircraft.

    “An additional 49 platforms are expected before the end of 2026. They include three CASA 295 aircraft, 10 AW 109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH 1Z helicopters, and 24 M 346 fighter aircraft.

    “These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively. Therefore, while taking proactive logistics actions and providing the needed maintenance resources, we must implement advanced, innovative, and data-driven aircraft and armament maintenance practices that ensure the optimal serviceability of all our aircraft.”

    Air Marshal Abubakar described the theme of the conference as “apt and timely”, as it aligns with key elements of his Command Philosophy.

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    The Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal AI Amodu, noted that aircraft engineering was the backbone that supported NAF’s mission and objectives.

    According to him, in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving threats, it is imperative that we embrace a proactive approach to engineering support.

    He said, “This Conference provides us with an invaluable opportunity to share insights, explore innovative strategies, and enhance our understanding of how effective aircraft maintenance culture can directly impact our operational readiness and efficiency.

    “By fostering a culture that prioritizes maintenance, we are not only extending the lifespan of our equipment but also enhancing our operational effectiveness.”

  • NAF to acquire additional 49 aircraft in two years – CAS

    NAF to acquire additional 49 aircraft in two years – CAS

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would receive additional 49 aircrafts within  the next two years to bolster it’s  operations.

    Abubakar made this known during the induction of two newly acquired Agusta 109S Trekker Helicopters as part of activities marking the 61st Anniversary of the NAF, on Friday in Abuja.

    “The two helicopters being the first batch of the 12 in the order, was inducted by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    He said  said the 49 aircraft being expected include 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

    “These acquisitions will significantly bolster our precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support our counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

    “The dynamic security landscape of our nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive Air Force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

    “This reality underscores the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.” he said.

    He buttressed that the successful acquisition of the Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopter is a significant leap in our modernisation efforts,” he said.

    Abubakar said NAF had from 2024 to date, received a total of nine brand-new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekkers helicopters being inducted.

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    He said that upon assuming office in June 2023, he promulgated his command philosophy, aimed at transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

    “Since then, we have undertaken deliberate steps and instituted key initiatives to actualize this philosophy.

    “Notably, we have prioritised mission-oriented force development and deliberate training.

    “In this regard, eight pilots and eighteen engineers and technicians have been trained for the effective deployment of the trekker helicopters.

    “Additionally, air and ground crew are currently undergoing specialized training abroad, and will in turn train more personnel locally to sustain capacity development,” he added.

    The CAS said the NAF had continued to invest heavily in research and development to build a robust technical capacity to effectively maintain its sophisticated equipment.

    According to him, the service is optimising strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle research and development, small arms, small arms and rocket developments, as well as radar enhancements, to further exploit technology to its advantage.

    He said the NAF had recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

    Abubakar thanked the president for the new acquisition and assured that the newly acquired platforms woukd be optimally deployed and maintained to serve the best interests of the nation.

    “Working closely with other sister services and security agencies, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.

    “Finally, on behalf of the officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff of the NAF, I affirm our loyalty and unyielding commitment to upholding the Constitution and discharging our constitutional responsibilities with professionalism and patriotism,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • CAS to cadets: fight with courage to defend your country

    CAS to cadets: fight with courage to defend your country

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) has charged graduating cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to be ready to meet the “high expectations” of the military by bracing up towards resolving security challenges facing the country.

    He also tasked them to make a difference through bravery in battle and “mastery of the tools and innovations that are reshaping modern warfare.”

    Air Marshal Abubakar gave the charge when he spoke, as the Special Guest of Honour, at the NDA 2024 Beating of the Retreat and Prize Giving Ceremony in honour of 71 Regular Course and Direct Short Service Course, held at the academy’s parade ground in Afaka, Kaduna State.

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    The Air Chief, in a statement by Deputy Director Information and Public Relations NAF, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the Armed Forces had invested enormous resources into building and shaping the capacity and character of the cadets through quality military training and a sound academic foundation, hence they (cadets) must “always put the nation first, and give their best in the defence of her territorial integrity and protection of the people.”

    He said: “As you prepare to be commissioned as officers, remember that the hopes and aspirations of our country rest on your shoulders. Therefore, it is time to ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”

    Air Marshal Abubakar commended the Commandant and staff of NDA for upholding the “time-honoured tradition” of the Beating of the Retreat, which he said symbolizes the end of the training year.

  • NAF wings 91st combat pilot

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has winged another combat pilot, Flying Officer Salihu Usman, in Abuja.

    This brings to 91 the number of winged pilots in three years.

    Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that Usman recently completed his Basic Fighter Introduction Course (BFIC) in the U.S.

    He added that: “The Chief of the Air Staff’s quest to re-professionalise the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through capacity building initiatives have received a further boost with the winging of another young NAF combat pilot, Flying Officer Salihu Usman.

    “This is besides the 67 NAF officers who are currently undergoing flying training in various flying institutions both within and outside the country.

    “It is, therefore, expected that by this time next year, the total number of new pilots would reach an unprecedented 158 in just 4 years.

    “More remarkably, among the 67 student pilots, is the first female NAF student fighter pilot, who is currently undergoing Specialised Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) in the USA.

    ”Another female student pilot is undergoing helicopter training in South Africa to become the first female helicopter pilot in the NAF,” Daramola said.

    He said that the newly winged pilot was admitted into the NDA in August 2010 as a member of 62nd Regular Combatant Course, where he obtained a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

    “As the best Air Force Cadet in his course, he was nominated for IOT Course, at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell UK after which he was commissioned into the NAF as a Pilot Officer.

    “Thereafter, Flying Officer Usman was nominated for the SUPT where he earned the U.S. Air Force Silver Wing.

    “Upon successful completion of the SUPT Course with outstanding performance, the USAF found him worthy of recommendation for the Basic Fighter Introduction Course (BFIC).

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    “He has a total of 265 flying hours on the Cessna 172, T-6A and T-38C aircraft types,” Daramola said.

    He said that Abubakar had expressed delight to receive the pilot back from the U.S. and congratulated him for his outstanding performances during the SUPT and BFIC.

    The CAS noted that “the young pilot was returning to the country at a time when the NAF, with the kind support of the Federal Government was about to receive additional combat platforms in the shape of the A-29 Super Tucano and JF-17 Thunder Multi-Role Fighter.”

    He said the CAS noted that “these new platforms would improve NAF’s ability to more effectively respond to national security imperatives.”

  • Abia to establish Microfinance bank to assist SMEs

    Mr Gabriel Igboko, Abia State Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), says the State Government has concluded plans to establish SME micro finance bank in October to assist small scale entrepreneurs in the state.

    Igboko disclosed this in an interview with the Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Umuahia.

    He said the bank was one of the three agricultural SME programmes of the state government already approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The commissioner explained that the government would, through the bank, do disbursements to other SME bodies, so that they could have soft loans that were not normally available in commercial banks.

    He said: “by October, we would have completed all formalities to have Abia SME microfinance bank established.

    “The governor has since given his approval. We have gone to the CBN and we have met all the conditions.

    “We are just trying to tie all the necessary loose ends in terms of documentation.

    “The micro-finance bank identifies those businesses that would come for as small as N20,000 loans or N50,000 and even up to N500, 000 loans.”

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    He explained that the bank would be disbursing funds to other CBN approved programmes of government that included the Commercial Agricultural Scheme (CAS) and the industrial starch plant.

    Igboko further said that the state government would engage over 10, 000 youths within six months in the commercial agriculture programme also billed to take off in October.

    According to him, everybody in the state, including civil and public servants would be encouraged to have their own farms under the scheme.

    He said that the state government had already made available about 10, 000 hectares of land for the scheme.

    “Every person will have a farm of at least one hectare, but no individual is allowed to have more than three hectares, so that it is not monopolized,” Igboko said.

    The commissioner also said that the industrial starch plant would be the first of its kind in West Africa.

    He said the foreign partners had already done the feasibility study, adding that it would take the state to another level of industrialization.

    “We already have an off taker that is asking for 38 metric tonnes of cassava starch per annum. The whole of Southeast of Nigeria cannot produce up to 30 metric tonnes per annum.

    “In fact, we will involve our neighboring states like Akwa Ibom, Imo and Ebonyi. Abia alone cannot meet the demands for the kind of farming we are talking about,” he said.

    NAN

  • UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN ) is seeking partnership with Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) on training, Research and Development (R & D) to support the service in the discharge of its responsibilities.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, made the plan known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, made the fact known in a statement  in Abuja on Thursday.

    During the visit, Ozumba said the university decided to partner NAF because of its giant strides in R & D and the consistent display of professionalism in the discharge of its responsibility, Adesanya said.

    He commended NAF for its efforts toward attaining self-reliance, adding that NAF was one of the government agencies that were in tune with the changes in the 21st Century.

    According to him, the world has gone beyond the era of commodity driven economy to knowledge-based economy.

    Ozumba commended the efforts of the current NAF leadership toward improving the knowledge base of its personnel through sustained R & D activities.

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    “Therefore, I reiterated the readiness and capability of the institution to collaborate with NAF in all aspects of R & D to ensure that the service continued to successfully accomplish its constitutional tasks.

    “UNN has been consistently ranked Number one in the Google Scholarly Search in West Africa, for the past three years, a testimony of the university’s commitment to academic endeavours,” he said.

    Ozumba said arrangement had been concluded by the university to establish a science park toward advancing technological knowledge.

    He used the opportunity to invite NAF to be part of the institution’s Innovation Conference scheduled for February.

    In his remarks, Abubakar  said that NAF would also partner UNN in the area of aircraft maintenance, building technology and other relevant fields.

    The CAS added that the service had identified the need to partner with academic institutions in Nigeria more than five years ago.

    He said NAF had already signed a Memoranda of Understanding with 15 other Nigerian universities, adding that the partnerships had started yielding benefits, especially in the enhancement of NAF’s aircraft maintenance capacity.

    Abubakar expressed the readiness of NAF to participate in the establishment of the science park at UNN and promised that NAF would be  represented at the Innovation Conference.

    Abubakar  directed that a team of relevant NAF personnel from NAF Research and Development Centre and NAF Institute of Technology, Kaduna,   be composed to visit UNN.

    He explained that the visit would help identify  specific areas of potential partnership between both organisations.

    NAN

  • Real Madrid transfer ban reduced

    Real Madrid transfer ban reduced

    The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday reduced Real Madrid’s two-window transfer ban to one.

    Madrid, along with city rivals Atletico, were hit with bans in January 2016 after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found them to be in breach of regulations “relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.”

    Spanish champions Barcelona was hit with a similar sanction in 2014, Goal reports.

    An appeal to FIFA failed in September, prompting Madrid to take its claim to CAS.

    That punishment has now been halved with the club able to strengthen its squad when the window opens at the end of the current season.

    However, Madrid will be inactive in January.

    Despite CAS ruling partially in its favour, the club released a statement outlining its displeasure at the verdict and that initially delivered by FIFA.

    The statement reads: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has today informed Real Madrid CF of its decision which partially upheld the appeal lodged by the club against the FIFA resolution which imposed a sanction forbidding the signing of players for two transfer windows, reducing said sanction to just one period, corresponding to the January 2017 transfer window.

    “The decision highlights the injustice of the original ban imposed by FIFA, although the club regrets that the CAS lacked the courage to revoke the ruling entirely.”

    In explaining its decision, a CAS statement reads: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the arbitration between Real Madrid and FIFA.

    “The Spanish club’s appeal was partially accepted. Therefore, the decision of the FIFA Appeals Board (FIFA) is cancelled and replaced by this CAS decision in which the following elements have been modified: Real Madrid is prohibited from registering new players, both nationally and internationally, during a full transfer period (initially two periods); Real Madrid must pay a fine of CHF240,000 (initially CHF 360,000) (£225,000, initially £337,000).”

    The CAS statement added: “In summary, the sole arbitrator determined that certain offences alleged by FIFA could be confirmed, but not all.

    “Given that the violations committed by Real Madrid were less serious and fewer than the FIFA judicial authorities had affirmed, the sole arbitrator found that the sanctions imposed on Real Madrid had to be reduced.”

     

     

     

  • Russia lose Paralympics ban appeal

    Russia lose Paralympics ban appeal

    Russia will not compete at next month’s Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after losing an appeal against a ban imposed for state-sponsored doping.

    The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) ban on all Russian competitors, the BBC reports.

    The IPC made the decision in light of the McLaren report, which detailed a state-sponsored doping programme operated by Russia.

    The Paralympics begin on September 7.

    The IPC’s decision to ban the entire Russian team “was proportionate in the circumstances,” according to the CAS panel, which said it would publish the full grounds for its decision later.

    It added that the Russian Paralympic Committee did not file any evidence contradicting the facts put forward by the IPC.

    The IPC’s decision is in contrast to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which chose not to hand Russia a blanket ban from the Olympic Games.

    The IOC was widely criticised for ignoring the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recommendation to ban Russia.

    Instead, each individual sporting federation was given the power to decide if Russian competitors were allowed to compete. A three-person IOC panel then had the final say.

    In the end, more than 270 Russian athletes were cleared to compete at the Olympics, with Russia winning 56 medals in total and finishing in fourth place in the medal table.

  • CAS upholds Russian athletes’ Olympics ban

    CAS upholds Russian athletes’ Olympics ban

    Russian track and field athletes will remain banned from the Olympics following claims the country ran a state-sponsored doping programme.

    The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and 68 athletes attempted to overturn the suspension, implemented by the body that governs world athletics.

    But the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled the suspension can stand, the BBC reports.

    A handful of Russian athletes could still compete as neutrals at the Rio Games, which start on August 5.

    “It’s sad but rules are rules,” said Olympic 100m and 200m champion, Usain Bolt, who will be chasing more gold medals in Rio.

    He said it was important to send a strong message to the dopers.

    “Doping violations in track and field is getting really bad,” said the Jamaican, 29. “If you cheat or go or against the rules, this will scare a lot of people.”

    However, Russian pole vaulter, Yelena Isinbayeva, one of the 68 to appeal to CAS, said the ruling was “a blatant political order.”

    The 2012 gold medallist, 34, told the Tass news agency: “Thank you all for this funeral for athletics.”

    The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said it was “pleased CAS has supported its position,” adding that the judgement had “created a level playing field for athletes.”

    IAAF president Lord Coe added: “This is not a day for triumphant statements. I didn’t come into this sport to stop athletes from competing.

    “Beyond Rio, the IAAF taskforce will continue to work with Russia to establish a clean safe environment for its athletes so that its federation and team can return to international recognition and competition.”

    Separately, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering calls to ban all Russian competitors across all sports from the Rio Games following a second report into state-sponsored doping.

  • Platini’s ban reduced to four years

    Platini’s ban reduced to four years

    UEFA president Michel Platini has resigned from European football’s governing body after failing to have a six-year ban from football overturned, the BBC reports.

    A Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) panel reduced the ban to four years on Monday.

    Following the judgment, the ex- French international said he was stepping down.

    Platini and former FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter, were last year found guilty of ethics breaches over a $2m (£1.3m) “disloyal payment.”