Reps to address dilapidated infrastructure, poor funding of NAF air bases

The House of Representatives Committee on Air Force has vowed to push for urgent legislative intervention to address the dilapidated infrastructure, poor funding, and personnel’s welfare issues across Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bases. This followed the committee’s 2025 oversight visits to key NAF installations in Kaduna, Kano, Maiduguri and Makurdi, where lawmakers said they encountered […]

The House of Representatives Committee on Air Force has vowed to push for urgent legislative intervention to address the dilapidated infrastructure, poor funding, and personnel’s welfare issues across Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bases.

This followed the committee’s 2025 oversight visits to key NAF installations in Kaduna, Kano, Maiduguri and Makurdi, where lawmakers said they encountered disturbing evidence of infrastructural decay, delayed capital releases, and overstretched operational facilities.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, said the situation demands immediate attention to safeguard national security and improve the effectiveness of the Air Force.

He said findings across these bases revealed decaying infrastructure, poor accommodation, delayed salaries, and insufficient logistics support.

“This committee will ensure that these gaps are reflected in our report and addressed through the legislative process.”

In Kaduna, lawmakers inspected training institutions and logistics units that form the backbone of the Air Force’s operations, expressing concern over the poor state of facilities and the impact on personnel morale.

The committee also visited the 403 Flying Training School, the 465 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, and the 455 Base Services Group in Kano, where Rurum emphasised the strategic importance of the establishments and the need for targeted funding to upgrade facilities.

In Maiduguri, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, a retired Air Vice Marshal, led the delegation to the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, praising the efforts of frontline personnel but stressing the need for improved support.

“I understand the burden of service because I’ve been there,” Ojuawo told officers. “This committee will do everything within its power to improve conditions for those defending this country from the frontlines,” he added.

The visit to the Makurdi base revealed similar challenges, including inadequate accommodation, obsolete infrastructure, and delayed disbursement of funds.

Hon. Ojuawo assured personnel that the committee would prioritise their welfare and operational needs in its legislative agenda.

At the Maiduguri Base Services Group, the Commander, Group Captain Nwachukwu, appealed for more consistent funding, improved training opportunities and better housing for officers.

The lawmakers said the oversight findings would be compiled into a comprehensive report and presented to the House of Representatives, with recommendations for increased budgetary allocation, timely fund releases, and infrastructure rehabilitation across NAF formations.

“The Nigerian Air Force plays a vital role in securing our nation. We must back their sacrifice with the resources they need to succeed,” Rurum said.