The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) commemorated its 61st anniversary, marking six decades of dedicated service to the nation. This milestone occasion was celebrated with a renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria's sovereignty and a deep appreciation for the crucial role civilians play in national defence.
The NAF's legacy is built on the principles of dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's interests. Over the years, the Air Force has demonstrated its capabilities in various operational environments, showcasing its prowess in enhancing air operations to secure the country.
At a media briefing today, which officially kicks off the Nigerian Air Force's 61st anniversary celebrations, alongside the 4th African Air Forces Forum, Chairman of the NAF@61 Organising Committee Air Commodore Sylvester Eyoma said the Nigerian Air Force has been at the forefront of efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other criminalities across the nation.
Today, we are celebrating 61 years of dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria's sovereignty. The theme of this year's anniversary is optimising civil-military relationships in a joint operational environment for enhanced air operations. “The citizenry is a worthy partner in our efforts to secure the country,” he said
"Through precision airstrikes, coordinated operations and advanced surveillance, we have recorded significant operational successes.
"These have contributed to weakening terrorist networks, disrupting their logistics and supporting ongoing efforts of all troops and other security agencies, in tackling the myriad of security challenges we face in our dear nation.
He highlighted several ongoing and upcoming events as part of the commemoration. These include the Chief of the Air Staff’s Literary Competition, which ran from February 10 to 22, and Open Day visits and career talks held across NAF bases, which provided the public an opportunity to interact with airmen and learn more about the Air Force.
"As part of its civil engagement efforts, the NAF will also inaugurate a clinic in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State—one of the communities affected by an unfortunate airstrike in January 2023.
"Another major highlight of the anniversary will be the formal induction of the Augusta 109S Trekker helicopter into the Presidential Air Fleet. The ceremony, expected to be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will take place at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet Base.
Air Commodore Eyoma further disclosed that the celebration will culminate in the 4th African Air Forces Forum scheduled for May 22 and 23 in Lagos. The forum is themed “Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security.”
He said the high-level gathering will bring together over 2,000 participants, including 12 Chiefs of Air Staff, 30 air forces, and 45 industry exhibitors such as Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, Havelsan, Jet Aviation, Pro-force, and Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation. This is an opportunity to consolidate our achievements and enhance multilateral cooperation through innovation and shared strategy,” he concluded.
"On the same day, that's Friday, Jumat prayer to be held in mosques across all Nigerian Air Force units, while the Nigerian Air Force Day Mega Tombola will be held in the evening at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Mess and Suits.
"On Saturday, 17th May, we have medical outreaches that will be held across our six field commands, while there will be a research and development competition and exhibition on the same day. The venue for the research and development competition is the Multipurpose Sports Centre at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Asokoro.
"The R&D competition will culminate with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Lagos State University for a joint committee that would conceptualise, develop and operationalise R&D projects for the benefit of both parties. Another Memorandum of Understanding on technology acquisition and development will also be signed between the Nigerian Air Force and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.
"On Sunday, 18th May, 2025, Empire Inter-denomination Services, Church services, will be held across Nigerian Air Force units, while an international colloquium on the development of space technology in the Nigerian Air Force will be held on Monday, 19th May, 2025.
The high point of the colloquium will be the signing of yet another Memorandum of Understanding, this time around with the Space Development for Space Development between the Nigerian Air Force and the Space Development Centre in the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.
The Nigerian Air Force's first anniversary will be rounded up with a Nigerian Air Force anniversary seminar and a Nigerian Air Force reunion dinner, both of which will be held on Tuesday, 20th May 2025. The seminar will be held in the morning and will end with an orbit flight pass over the seminar venue.
The dinner will be held in the evening. During the dinner, prizes will be given to the winners of the Chief of the Air Staff literary competition. After the one-week activities that will end on 28th May 2025, the anniversary celebration will then transit to the 4th African Air Forces Forum, which will be held at the Eko, Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on 22nd and 23rd May 2025.
It is intended to strengthen our collaborative efforts in employing advanced aerospace technologies to bolster our capacities to address national and regional security challenges. The theme of the 4th African Air Forces Forum is Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security.
For this high-profile event, there will be a gathering of air force chiefs, defense experts and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss advancements in air power and regional security cooperation.
Over 2,000 participants are expected at the conference and exhibitions that are scheduled for 22nd and 23rd May 2025. Over 30 Air Forces and 12 Chiefs of Air Star, 45 exhibitors including major defense and aerospace players like Airbus, Embraer Diamond Aircraft, Havelson, Jet Aviation, KATIC and Starlight Aviation Group will be participating in the event. Indigenous companies will be participating as well.
"We have also located some local exhibitors that will be participating, while some sponsorships have been secured from state governments and other organizations.
A key highlight of the anniversary celebrations was acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between the NAF and the civilian population. The Air Force recognises that its efforts to secure the nation are significantly bolstered by the support and partnership of the citizenry. This partnership is essential in gathering intelligence, providing logistical support, and fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility in national defence.
The NAF's operational environment is designed to leverage this partnership, ensuring that air operations are conducted with the utmost professionalism and respect for the civilian populace. By working together, the NAF and the citizens of Nigeria can more effectively address security challenges and promote a safer, more secure environment for all.
As the NAF continues to evolve and adapt to emerging security threats, its commitment to its core values of dedication, service, and partnership remains unwavering. The 61st anniversary celebrations serve as a testament to the Air Force's enduring legacy and its determination to protect Nigeria's sovereignty, with the support of its citizens, for generations to come.