The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, has stated that a technical Service like the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recruits and enlists suitable applicants purely based on needs and specialty for efficient and effective service delivery. He also stated that the NAF embarks on talent hunt, should the need arise, to enlist eligible young Nigerians tailored to NAF’s specific needs. Air Vice Marshal Abubakar stated this when he hosted members of the Air Power Consult on 26 July 2023 at NAF Headquarters, Abuja. The CAS went on to inform the visitors of his decision to overhaul the entire NAF operations in view of the fluid and uncertain operating environment. This, according to him, would enable proper planning and commensurate apportionment of roles and tasks. Air Vice Marshal Abubakar also spoke on why lessons-learnt has taken center stage in NAF air operational planning, which he noted aids in identifying reoccurring weaknesses as well as implementing corrective actions and validating results. Speaking further the CAS commended members of the Consult for their assistance and support to the NAF. According to him, “Your steadfast commitment, knowledge, research and best practices in air power have been pivotal in enhancing the competence and proficiencies of our pilots, engineers and other specialties.” He also noted that the collaborative efforts between the Consult and NAF’s Air Warfare Centre have been instrumental in driving progress and innovation particularly in the field of air power. 

Earlier, the Coordinator of Air Power Consult, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Idowu (Retired) intimated the CAS on the status of the Consult as well as the support and services that it provides to the NAF. According to the Coordinator, “We basically assist the NAF generate certain capacities where ordinarily the Service would not have time to provide.” He specifically raised the need for the NAF to reassess its Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) strategy by focusing on the mission areas, units as well as insisting on PTSD certification by all NAF medical experts. Air Vice Marshal Idowu also emphasized on the need for expert review of all NAF school curriculums and standards in line with international best practices and trends. Other areas of focus include the NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle development plan, accommodation of personnel as well as documentation and archiving of NAF operations, among others. 

Air Power Consult is a non-profit, 25-member consultancy firm, consisting of retired NAF officers, each a guru in his field of expertise. They assist the NAF fill voids and responsibilities that may distract it from its core responsibilities. The Team Coordinator was accompanied by the Team Moderator, Air Vice Marshal Dick-Iruenabere (retired), Air Vice Marshal Christian Chukwu (retired), Air Vice Marshal Nurudeen Balogun (retired) and Air Commodore Shehu Othman (retired).