Nigerian Air Force is enhancing the medical preparedness of its personnel, a move aimed at bolstering operational effectiveness, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, announced Wednesday.
Speaking at the NAF Medical Conference 2025, the first in four years, Abubakar emphasized that the well-being of NAF personnel is a cornerstone of his vision for the service.
“Ensuring the well-being of our personnel is not just a duty but a fundamental pillar of my vision. “Their health is critical to our operational readiness,” he stated as quoted from the official statement posted on the NAF’s Twitter handle.
The CAS, in the statement on its X handle, highlighted the demanding environments in which airmen and women operate, necessitating peak physical and mental readiness.
In line with this, the NAF has undertaken significant initiatives to upgrade its medical capabilities, including specialised training in aviation medicine for medical personnel in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, and India.
“We have taken deliberate steps to enhance our medical capabilities, recognizing the critical role medical preparedness plays in enhancing operational effectiveness.
“Our personnel operate in demanding environments, and their physical and mental readiness is paramount,” Abubakar added.
Further demonstrating this commitment, plans are underway to establish a state-of-the-art trauma centre at 465 NAF Hospital in Kano.
The Chief of Medical Services, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Ekpe, hailed the CAS for his proactive interventions in advancing NAF medical services.
According to the statement, the Nigerian School of Medical Science and Aviation Medicine in Kaduna has secured four crucial accreditations for training healthcare professionals within the past year.
Moreover, the CAS has commissioned a new hospital in Abuja, approved the procurement of essential equipment for the 061 Aeromedical Centre, and facilitated specialized training for NAF doctors and nurses in aviation medicine.
“These initiatives reflect the NAF leadership’s dedication to ensuring top-tier healthcare for its personnel, reinforcing the link between medical excellence and military readiness,” Ekpe noted.
The NAF’s focus on improving medical preparedness underscores its commitment to maintaining a highly effective and combat-ready force.
“By investing in the health and well-being of its personnel, the NAF aims to ensure that its airmen and women are equipped to meet the challenges of modern airpower”.
