The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has tasked all safety officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to ensure an enhanced safety culture in all NAF activities or operations.

Abubakar gave the charge at the NAF Safety Review Board Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the actions or inactions of all NAF personnel could either help to propel or break the accident chain sometimes experienced in the course of NAF activities or operations.

The Air Chief also called for the emplacement of appropriate actions to break the accident chain, so as to enshrine a good safety culture that transcends all levels in the NAF.

According to him, it is vital that they thoroughly examine all the safety issues arising from this meeting and come up with objective and innovative ideas that would enhance safety in the NAF.

In his words, “While we all know that safety is a collective responsibility, this board is primarily accountable for safety administration in the NAF.

“Accidents are the results of a sequence of events, beginning with deliberate decisions taken and NAF cannot afford to pay lip service to issues relating to safety.”

Abubakar said that the NAF regarded safety as one of its core functions and reiterated its commitment to developing, implementing, and reviewing policies to ensure that all activities were conducted in a safe and conducive environment.

According to him, NAF will intensify efforts to enhance safety as it continues its transformation into, “an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments”.

He gave assurance that more interesting and auspicious days were ahead for the NAF in view of the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping it with modern platforms.

According to him, the need for a proactive and enhanced safety culture is thus critical in ensuring that their usage is maximised.

(NAN)

Nigerian, South African Defence Chiefs Unite Against Continental Security Challenges

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for stronger ties between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to tackle the complex security issues facing Africa.

Gen. Musa made this appeal during an official visit to his South African counterpart, Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya, in Pretoria, South Africa. The call for enhanced cooperation was highlighted in a statement released by Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The meeting is a panacea to addressing the multifaceted challenges bedevilling the continent,” Gen. Musa emphasized. He underscored the importance of mutual cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties to combat regional security threats.

During their closed-door meeting, both leaders discussed various strategies to address these challenges, focusing on the exchange of expertise and forging stronger ties for the betterment of the continent.

Gen. Musa was honoured with Cannon Gun Salutes, a mark of high regard, during his visit. Brig.-Gen. Gusau noted the significance of the meeting between the two largest economies and military powers in Africa.

The meeting also saw the presence of SANDF Chiefs of Intelligence, Policy and Plans, International Affairs, and Joint Operations, among other departmental chiefs, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the discussions aimed at enhancing regional security cooperation.

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), said it will conduct a range classification exercise for cadets of Direct Short Service Course 28, Army and Direct Short Service Course 32, Air Force from June 25 to 28.

The academy’s Spokesperson Maj. Mohammed Maidawa made the announcement in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

Maidawa advised the public, especially communities of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya and Afaka to avoid the area.

He said the exercise was expected to be held at the NDA Open Range Afaka.

“The NDA assures the general public that all necessary safety measures have been put in place for the successful conduct of the exercise,” Maidawa said.

He, however, urged the public to avoid trespassing in the general area throughout the period of the exercise.

(NAN)