The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has called on officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to embrace fiscal discipline and accountability as key drivers of operational readiness and national security.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 NAF Finance Conference and Retreat held on Thursday, September 11, at the Nigerian Air Force School of Finance and Accounts (NAFSFA) in Ajia, Ibadan, Oyo State, Abubakar stressed that prudent management of resources is not just an administrative duty but a moral responsibility that directly impacts the Service’s ability to protect the nation.
“When resources are managed with integrity and prudence, the NAF is better positioned to maintain readiness, train and equip personnel, and execute operational directives without financial bottlenecks,” he said.
He urged officers across all levels of command to embrace accountability in all financial dealings, describing it as vital for the credibility of the NAF and the security of the country.
The two-day conference, themed “Sustainable Resource Management for Effective Air Power Delivery”, brings together finance experts, senior officers, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for effective resource management.
Delivering a keynote address, the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Samuel Omenka, highlighted the need for transparency and strategic budgeting, especially at a time when the nation is grappling with limited resources and competing priorities.
He emphasized that a disciplined financial culture within the NAF will help sustain its operational capabilities and ensure funds are directed toward initiatives with the greatest national impact.
Abubakar also praised the Accounts and Budget Branch for organizing the retreat and commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, including the approval of the dualisation of the access road to the Ajia NAF Base.
He noted that hosting the event at the newly commissioned NAF School of Finance and Accounts was symbolic, as the institution was established to build the capacity of finance officers and promote sound resource management practices.
Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, the Chief of Accounts and Budget, underscored the critical role of finance officers, saying their work goes beyond balancing figures to ensuring that every naira spent translates into operational strength and national security.
“Our duty is to make sure that the resources entrusted to us directly strengthen the NAF’s capacity to defend the nation. That is the essence of stewardship,” he said.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including Oyo State’s Head of Service, Mrs. Olubumi Oni; Accountant General, Mrs. Kike Adegoke; senior NAF officers; and finance professionals.
The CAS also toured the NAFSFA facilities and commissioned the newly established NAF Finance Specialty Hall of Fame.
The retreat will feature expert-led sessions aimed at equipping finance personnel with practical tools to uphold fiscal responsibility while supporting the Air Force’s mission of defending Nigeria’s skies.