The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 10 December 2025 inaugurated a high-level Operational and Safety Audit Committee, marking what he described as a significant milestone and the first major step under his newly unveiled command philosophy. Comprising senior retired officers and subject-matter experts, the committee is mandated to conduct an independent assessment of selected operational, engineering and armament units across the Service. The CAS emphasised that this initiative signals a renewed phase in the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to excellence, accountability and the safety of its personnel.

Air Marshal Aneke highlighted that operational integrity, strategic effectiveness and personnel safety are inseparable pillars that must guide the Service under his leadership. He noted that the committee’s work is central to strengthening professionalism, enhancing mission readiness and ensuring that airpower is delivered both effectively and responsibly. The team is tasked with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of current operations and maintenance systems, identifying gaps and recommending reforms that will reinforce a culture of safety, efficiency and continuous improvement across the NAF.

The CAS further directed that, while the terms of reference have been outlined, the committee should be granted flexibility to establish specific audit guidelines aligned with global aviation standards. He emphasised that transparency and collaboration must underpin the process, noting that the findings will support data-driven decisions to maintain mission readiness and proactively address emerging risks. Air Marshal Aneke affirmed that this effort is not a one-off exercise but the start of an evolving reform process that will shape future improvements across all NAF branches and commands.

#NigerianAirForce #NAFUpdate #AirPower #CASReforms #OperationalSafety #SafetyFirst #NAFTransformation #MissionReadiness