From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it would do everything in its power to ensure that its medical services remain agile, resilient, and responsive to the evolving airpower demands of national security.
The NAF has also assured its readiness to develop world-class medical infrastructure and trained professionals to support its operations.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who made this known, said this had become necessary as the world had undergone profound changes, resulting in new challenges and heightened demands on military healthcare.
He said this at the opening of the NAF Medical Conference 2025, held in Abuja.
The conference has as its theme: ‘Enhancing Effective Medical Services in Support of NAF Operations by Evolving Strategies for Sustainable Healthcare Management’.
Abubakar, while noting that medical preparedness was not just a support function but a force multiplier, said, ‘One principle remains constant: a healthy force is a capable force.
‘Ensuring the well-being of our personnel is not just a duty but a fundamental pillar of mission success.
‘This enduring connection between quality healthcare and operational effectiveness will form the crux of our discussions over the next two days.
‘Our goal is to explore innovative strategies and strengthen this critical nexus, ensuring that NAF’s medical services remain agile, resilient, and responsive to the evolving airpower demands of national security.
‘Our airmen and women operate in high-risk environments that demand peak physical and mental readiness.
‘We must align our medical services with the contemporary realities of modern warfare, where rapid response, trauma care, and mental resilience are just as critical as air superiority.
‘As we expand our capabilities with the procurement of new platforms, it is imperative that we have a medical framework capable of supporting our evolving operational demands.’
Abubakar, while noting that the NAF takes pride in its nearly 2,000 medical professionals and its extensive network of 54 medical establishments across the country, listed the facilities to include 13 hospitals, 41 well-equipped medical centres and clinics, and two renowned schools of medical sciences.
He said this comprehensive healthcare infrastructure not only provides top-notch medical care to serving and retired personnel but also extends services to members of the public.
‘It fosters a spirit of civil-military cooperation, underscoring our commitment to the security and well-being of all Nigerians.
‘Under my leadership, we have taken deliberate steps to strengthen the Medical Services Branch.
‘We have prioritised the training and development of medical personnel, equipping them with the necessary skills to meet modern healthcare challenges.
‘Several NAF medical professionals have undergone specialised training in aviation medicine in the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, and India, ensuring they are well equipped to support and sustain the health of our air and ground crew.
‘Our doctors are undergoing residency training in specialised fields at various tertiary institutions, bolstering our medical expertise,’ he added.
Abubakar said that the NAF had implemented several other initiatives in the areas of training and capacity building to boost its medical services across the country.
He further stated that the revitalisation of the 061 Aeromedical Centre, which now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, was one of their significant achievements.
According to him, the NAF is in the process of re-accreditation with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for pilot certification, with the goal of transforming the centre into a hub for aerospace medicine that meets international standards.
‘Additionally, we are nearing completion of a trauma centre at the 465 NAF Hospital in Kano, which will provide specialised care for personnel engaged in ongoing operations in the Northwest and Northeast.
‘We have expanded and upgraded medical facilities across various NAF bases, including the recently established 065 NAF Hospital in Abuja, ensuring better healthcare access for our personnel and their families.’
Earlier in his address, the Chief of Medical Services, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Ekpe, while noting that the conference is aimed at articulating ways of providing efficient medical services in support of NAF operations in line with the command philosophy of the CAS, said that the theme of the conference reflected their commitment to addressing the pressing issues in healthcare delivery within the NAF.
He thanked the CAS for his unwavering support to the Medical Services Branch, adding that the branch had achieved milestones in recent times.