By Sam Ojo Oyo .
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed that fiscal discipline and accountability remain critical to sustaining Nigeria’s national security and the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Finance Conference and Retreat 2025, held at the NAF School of Finance and Accounts (NAFSFA), Ajia-Ibadan, the CAS stressed that prudent resource management is not only a moral obligation but also essential for training, maintaining combat readiness, and executing missions without financial bottlenecks.
He commended the Accounts and Budget Branch for convening the retreat, themed “Sustainable Resource Management for Effective Air Power Delivery,” describing it as timely in fostering innovation and knowledge sharing.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Samuel Omenka, urged optimisation of scarce resources amidst rising national demands.
He noted that transparency, accountability, and effective budgeting remain indispensable for sustaining airpower capabilities, adding that disciplined financial culture within the NAF would guarantee maximum impact on defence spending.
Air Marshal Abubakar also recalled the commissioning of NAFSFA earlier in the year, highlighting its dual role as a training hub for finance officers and a national resource centre.
He expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government and Governor Seyi Makinde for their continued support, including the dualisation of the access road to the Ajia NAF Base, which he described as a symbol of enduring partnership.
In his remarks, the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, underscored the responsibility of finance officers in safeguarding NAF’s credibility by ensuring every naira is translated into operational capacity.
Dignitaries at the event included the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubumi Oni; the State Accountant General, Mrs. Kike Adegoke FCA; senior NAF officers; and other stakeholders.
The event also featured the commissioning of the NAF Finance Specialty Hall of Fame and a series of expert-led sessions aimed at strengthening financial stewardship and reinforcing operational mandate
