The Federal Government has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for completing and handing over the first-ever Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex in Umuahia, describing the project as a landmark investment in national security and a model for federal-state collaboration.
The purpose-built facility was officially handed over on Friday to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), at a ceremony in Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said the project reflects his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that security remains the foundation for sustainable development.
He described the arrival of the Nigerian Air Force in Abia as “a dream come true,” noting that the state now hosts formations of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
“For us, the right to security for our people, whether they are residents or visitors, is non-negotiable,” Otti declared.
The governor said the new facility demonstrates what can be achieved through effective collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in tackling security challenges.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for approving the establishment of an Air Force presence in Abia, pledging continued support for its operations.
“I formally welcome the Nigerian Air Force to Abia and assure you that, within the limits of our powers, we shall provide whatever is required to guarantee your success in safeguarding our dear State,” he said.
Otti further disclosed that the Abia State Government has allocated 120 hectares of land at the ongoing Abia Airport project in Nsulu for the construction of a permanent Nigerian Air Force Base.
According to him, construction of the base will commence immediately after the airport runway is completed.
He also revealed that residential accommodation has already been secured for Air Force personnel across Umuahia to enable them to settle quickly and begin operations without delay.
The governor said his administration also plans to partner with the Nigerian Air Force in education and human capital development, noting that the relationship would extend beyond security to programmes that benefit young people in the state.
Otti paid tribute to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, for their support during the security challenges that followed the killing of soldiers in Abia in May 2024.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff described the project as an unprecedented contribution to Nigeria’s security architecture, saying Governor Otti had set a new benchmark in civil-military partnership.
“This gesture transcends politics. It goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It is a defining contribution to national defence and stability and a trailblazing legacy that will bear your name in the annals of Nigeria’s security architecture,” Aneke said.
He noted that the new complex would significantly improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force in Abia and the wider South-East.
“Indeed, these facilities will serve as a robust foundation for NAF operations in Abia, enabling us to discharge our constitutional mandates with greater efficiency and effectiveness,” he stated.
The Air Chief disclosed that in nearly a year in office, he had not witnessed any governor provide infrastructure of such magnitude for the Air Force.
“A lot of people may not understand why I keep praising His Excellency. In my nine to ten months as Chief of Air Staff, this is about the first time a Governor has called me and handed over infrastructure of this magnitude. He has taken a huge burden off my shoulders,” Aneke said.
He assured residents that officers and personnel deployed to Abia had been instructed to prioritise the safety and welfare of the people, adding that the Nigerian Air Force would give serious consideration to Governor Otti’s request for the establishment of a military training institution in the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), commended Governor Otti for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through strategic investment, describing him as a leader whose commitment is demonstrated through action rather than rhetoric.
He emphasised that safeguarding the country requires collaboration among governments, security agencies, communities and citizens.
“I want to charge the Nigerian Air Force that your personnel coming here should make Abia State a better place. We don’t want to hear issues arising because of your presence. Already, good things are happening; make it better,” the minister said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), said the project was conceived as part of Governor Otti’s long-term strategy to strengthen Abia’s security infrastructure.
They noted that the state government not only allocated the land and issued the Certificate of Occupancy to the Nigerian Air Force but also constructed the facility according to the service’s operational specifications.
The newly completed complex comprises a fully furnished administrative building with an auditorium, conference hall, clinic, armoury, registry, offices, kitchen, canteens and other operational facilities, alongside supporting infrastructure including a guardroom, quarter guard, gatehouse, observatory post and works unit.
The handover ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, senior military officers and top officials of the Abia State Government.
