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SUMMARY OF CAS MEMORANDUM TO ALL AIRMEN ON POLICY CHANGES IN THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE
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1. On 28 Sep 09, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) released his first memorandum to
all airmen which was on policy changes in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). It was
titled ‘‘CAS Memorandum to all Airmen’’. The purpose of the publication is to
acquaint all airmen with necessary information on the various policy changes
taking place in the NAF. While the memorandum is not to draw comparisons or make
a list of achievements of the current leadership, it is to assist all airmen in
the position of authority and other stakeholders in understanding the policy
thrust of the current NAF administration and the activities required to move the
NAF to the next level; in order to ensure continuity in policies for the
betterment of the Service.
2. The main thrust of this administration’s policy is encapsulated in CAS’
Vision which is ‘‘ To build the operation capacity of the Nigerian Air Force for
effective and efficient employment as a vital instrument of national power in a
rapidly changing world’’. In line with the vision therefore, the following
changes and or enhancements were introduced by the administration within the
last year:
a. Dedication of NAF Capital Vote to Aircraft Reactivation and Operational
Matters.
b. Activation of the Policy and Plans Branch.
c. Building Capacity for In-country Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM).
d. Incorporation of the Aeronautical Engineering & Technical Services Ltd
(AETSL).
e. The transformation of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) – A
Strategic Aerospace and Aeronautical Base for the NAF and Nigeria.
f. Aggressive Foreign Air and Ground Crew Training Programme.
g. Concrete steps in domiciling Helicopter Pilot Training in Nigeria.
h. Development of ICT Infrastructure for electronic empowerment of all NAF
units.
i. Creation of Database for NAF Aircraft Spares Requirements.
j. Establishment of centralized E-Payment System for Aviation Fuel.
k. Introduction of Qualifying Exams for Defence College.
l. Motivation through Increase in Running Cost Allocations.
m. Payment of Professional Examination Fees for Personnel.
n. Allocation of Staff Cars to Air Warrant Officers.
o. Enhancing Operations through Support from State Government.
p. Encouragement of Public-Private Partnership.
q. Decongestion of NAF Primary and Secondary Schools.
3. The CAS attributed these achievements to the collective efforts of all the
airmen through their initiative, diligence and personal commitment. He
congratulated all the airmen for their loyalty, outstanding support and devotion
to duty. He also commended the Federal Government, most especially the President
and Commander-in-Chief, Members of the National Assembly, the Honourable
Ministers of Defence, past and present, as well as the CDS who, as the case may
be, provided funds and strategic guidance despite the competing demands for
resources and attention. The CAS reiterated that all airmen should not relent in
their effort to reposition the NAF as one of the leading air forces on the
continent. He further stated it was not only imperative but incumbent on all
airmen to maintain the trust and confidence reposed in them as a major force in
the protection and preservation of our national integrity and vital economic
interests. The CAS observed in the memo that as the nation marches towards the
realization of the objectives of vision 20:2020, the challenges of securing our
human and economic resources particularly in the maritime domain, a lot still
remain to be done. He highlighted the importance of consolidating the gains made
so far while urging all airmen to imbibe a maintenance culture commensurate to
the level of investment. He emphasised the need to exercise the highest level of
professionalism, safety consciousness and esprit-de-corps that are
characteristic of our core values and traditions as airmen.
Finally, the CAS called upon every NAF unit and personnel to key in, to the
vision of rebuilding the requisite capabilities for effective and efficient
employment of air power as Nigeria’s vital instrument of policy. |
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