The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has commissioned and inspected several critical projects aimed at enhancing the living and working conditions of personnel in Enugu. The projects, executed under the Ground Training Command (GTC), are part of an aggressive infrastructure renewal and welfare enhancement drive that continues to reshape the operational environment of the NAF.
During his operational visit to Enugu on Thursday, Air Marshal Abubakar inaugurated the newly remodelled and fully refurbished Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Mess at NAF Base Abakpa, a facility designed to offer a more dignified and comfortable environment for senior personnel. He also commissioned the upgraded gymnasium at GTC Emene, a space expected to promote physical fitness and mental well-being among troops.
Beyond the completed projects, the CAS conducted a thorough inspection of several key ongoing construction efforts. These included the Helicopter Combat Training Group’s hangar, dual 2 by 30 transit accommodation blocks for officers, a water treatment facility, and the upgraded Medical Reception Station, projects that reflect a broader vision to transform the NAF into a self-reliant and world-class air force.
Guided by his leadership philosophy of “Maintaining a Highly Motivated Force by Enhancing Welfare and Infrastructural Renewal,” Air Marshal Abubakar took time to personally evaluate the progress and quality of work at each site. Though he did not address the press, his presence and hands-on engagement sent a strong signal to both personnel and contractors about the high standards expected for all NAF projects. He directed engineers and contractors to ensure strict adherence to specifications and timely delivery without compromising quality.
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Welcoming the CAS, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Shinkafi, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, praised the Air Chief for his swift and strategic decisions that have significantly impacted troop welfare since assuming office on February 17, 2025. According to Shinkafi, one of the most pressing challenges, water scarcity, was swiftly tackled with the upgrade of the command’s integrated water treatment facility and the procurement of a water tanker as a backup.
Highlighting the CAS’s continued drive for progress, Shinkafi revealed additional approvals for the transformation of the Abakpa Medical Reception Station into a Level 2 Hospital, the purchase of a brand-new ambulance, and the acquisition of a 52-seater compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered bus to ease troop transportation challenges. Perhaps most ambitious is the ongoing development of a new world-class, smart NAF Base at Gabon Village, Enugu, another bold step toward modernizing the Force.
The morale among officers and personnel is soaring as these projects continue to roll out. The AOC emphasized that welfare remains a critical driver of motivation, and under Air Marshal Abubakar’s leadership, the Force has experienced an unprecedented boost in both operational capacity and personnel satisfaction.
With these projects in full swing, it is clear that the Nigerian Air Force is not just investing in infrastructure but also laying the foundation for a more efficient, motivated, and mission-ready force, with Enugu emerging as a model for welfare-driven military leadership in Nigeria.
