By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expecting the delivery of 50 brand-new aircraft in the next two y...
By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expecting the delivery of 50 brand-new aircraft in the next two years, with some being stationed in Adamawa State to help contain insecurity in the northeast region.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala, revealed this during a courtesy call on Governor Fintiri as part of his visit to the state to tour operational units of the Nigerian Air Force.
He assured the Governor that the skies above Yola would soon be roaring with state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, ensuring the full restoration of peace in the Northeast and other troubled areas in the country.
Air Marshal Bala acknowledged that the state still faces some security challenges, such as kidnappings and the menace of Shilla Boys, and he assured the steadfast commitment of the NAF to address these issues.
Regarding the over N644 million outstanding ground and penal rents owed to the state government, the Air Force Boss solicited Governor Umaru Fintiri to consider granting the NAF a waiver for the payment of the annual ground rent.
“Recently, the NAF received a letter from the Adamawa State Ministry of Lands & Survey and Messrs TRV Unify Solutions Ltd, which was contracted as the sole revenue consultant by the State Government. They are demanding payment of outstanding annual ground and penal rents on the NAF permanent site land. The accrued amount from 2000 to 2024 totals N644,132,000.00,” he said.
The Chief of Air Staff appealed to Governor Fintiri to extend the drainage constructed at Saminaka up to the Air Force Comprehensive School fence, where it would join a water channel that connects with the Walawa Gugu stream.
He explained that due to the construction of this drainage, large volumes of water discharge across the NAF land, causing erosion and posing a serious threat to the AFCS fence.
The Air Force Boss acknowledged the transformational leadership of Governor Fintiri, which he said has positively impacted the lives and livelihoods of the people of Adamawa State.
Responding, Governor Fintiri applauded the Nigerian Air Force for fostering collaboration with the state government and carrying out its mandate to keep the state and country safe from security challenges.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue supporting and cooperating with security agencies in the overall interest of the people.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the Air Force's decision to deploy helicopters out of the state and called for the equitable distribution of equipment to all states, emphasizing that no state should be treated higher than another.
Governor Fintiri called for urgent action on the reconstruction of the Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Gombi and Madagali Local Government Areas on the hectares of land allocated to the Air Force by the state government to meet its target.
Regarding some areas of concern raised by the Chief of Air Staff, the Governor said the government has no intention of leaving any part of the state undeveloped. He directed the Ministry of Works to address the issue of erosion around the NAF Comprehensive School immediately and promised to look into the issue of the ground rent.
He commended all security agencies for collaborating with the state government to tackle the menace of the Shilla cult group, kidnapping, and other security issues.
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