Uphold accountability in financial dealings, air chief tells officers

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Thursday charged senior personnel of the service to internalise the principles of accountability in all financial dealings. Abubakar stated this at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja when he spoke during the opening session of the NAF Finance Seminar 2024 organised by the Accounts and Budget […]

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Thursday charged senior personnel of the service to internalise the principles of accountability in all financial dealings.

Abubakar stated this at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja when he spoke during the opening session of the NAF Finance Seminar 2024 organised by the Accounts and Budget Branch of the Force.

He explained that managing resources with integrity and prudence boosts the air force’s capability to maintain a high state of readiness, train and equip personnel effectively.

The top military officer also said such firm accountability would ensure the successful execution of every operational directive, adding that there is a need to efficiently use its resources.

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“When resources are managed with integrity and prudence, it enhances our ability to maintain a high state of readiness, to train, equip and deploy our personnel effectively, as well as to ensure that every operational directive is executed without financial constraints.

“It is, therefore, incumbent upon every officer, from the highest levels of command to the most junior, to internalise the principles of accountability in all financial dealings.

“This is not merely a requirement of our roles; it is a commitment to the future of the Nigerian Air Force and the security of our nation,” the air chief said.

He added, “As we forge ahead in these challenging times, the efficient management of our resources becomes not just an operational necessity, but a moral imperative.

“The Accounts and Budget Branch is the backbone of our operational effectiveness.”

On his part, the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Uchechi Nwagwu, an Air Vice Marshal, said the seminar was aimed at developing the professional capacity of NAF finance personnel in the management of public funds.

Nwagwu said the theme was borne out of the desire to ensure clear visibility in financial transactions, promote ethical behaviour and encourage efficiency in the utilisation of scarce resources.

He said it was envisaged that the seminar and its subsequent resolutions would assist finance personnel in learning and improving their accountability practices to manage NAF resources more prudently.

He urged the participants, especially the finance personnel, to learn towards fostering a culture of accountability in the NAF finance specialty in support of NAF operations.