Tinubu Pledges Increased Investment In State-Of-The-Art Aircraft To Combat Insecurity

In the wake of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), President Bola Tinubu noted that his administration will increase investment in state-of-the-art aircraft and equipment to fight against insecurity.

The president -- who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the Ceremonial Parade to Commemorate -- praised the NAF's six decades of service, sacrifice and patriotism.

"I bear with me today the gratitude of a nation that has watched your transformation into a formidable and resilient organization, vigilant of the dynamics and complexities of security threats within and outside our borders for this long," he said, as per the statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Tinubu went on to praise the critical role played by the NAF in maintaining regional and sub-regional peace and security, expressing pride in the institution's formidable and resilient transformation over the years.

The president congratulated the Chief of the Air Staff, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff for maintaining the culture of service on the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, noting that his administration stands with the NAF - in good as well as bad times.

"In my inaugural address a year ago, I noted that security would be the top priority of my administration because we can never guarantee the development we have proposed unless each part of this great nation is secure," he said.

He explained this was why his administration continued to support the modernization efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges.

The president acknowledged the ongoing hardship in the country following fuel subsidy removal, and said that he was confident about the temporary sacrifice that Nigerians have to face, promising that it will come to an end soon.

"The country will be on the sound economic footing we have promised the nation," he added.

The event was attended by Ahmed Lawan, President of the Senate/Chairman, Senate Committee of Defence; House Committee on Air Force Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Minister of Defence Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Minister of State Defence Alhaji Bello Matawalle.