CAS Emphasises Fiscal Discipline as Pillar of National Security at NAF Finance Conference
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to fiscal discipline and accountability, describing them as essential to sustaining national security and operational readiness.
Air Marshal Abubakar made the declaration on Thursday, 11 September, while declaring open the Nigerian Air Force Finance Conference and Retreat 2025 at the NAF School of Finance and Accounts (NAFSFA), Ajia-Ibadan.
The two-day retreat, with the theme “Sustainable Resource Management for Effective Air Power Delivery”, brought together finance experts, senior NAF officers and stakeholders to deliberate on innovative approaches to resource management.
The CAS noted that efficient management of resources was not merely an administrative requirement but a moral responsibility that directly influences the Air Force’s ability to train, equip, and deploy personnel effectively.
“It is therefore incumbent upon every officer, from the highest levels of command to the junior cadre, to uphold and internalise the principles of accountability in all financial dealings,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated.
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He commended the Accounts and Budget Branch for convening the retreat, stressing that accountability must be embraced collectively to safeguard the integrity of the institution and enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, represented by Dr Samuel Omenka, emphasised the need for disciplined budgeting practices, transparency and judicious use of resources in the face of competing national demands. He warned that sustaining airpower capabilities in a resource-constrained era required optimisation and accountability at every level.
Highlighting the choice of venue, the CAS recalled the commissioning of NAFSFA earlier in the year during the Service’s 61st anniversary, describing it as a hub for professional training and capacity building for finance officers. He also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government for its support, particularly Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of the dualisation of the access road to NAF Base Ajia.
In his remarks, the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, noted that finance officers carry a strategic responsibility to ensure that every naira allocated to the Service translates directly into operational effectiveness.
“Our duty goes beyond balancing figures; it is about ensuring that every naira entrusted to us directly translates into operational capability and national security,” he said.
The event attracted dignitaries including the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubumi Oni; the State Accountant General, Mrs Kike Adegoke; finance experts and senior NAF officers. Highlights included a tour of NAFSFA facilities, as well as the commissioning of the NAF Finance Specialty Hall of Fame.
The two-day retreat is expected to feature expert-led sessions and technical discussions aimed at equipping NAF finance personnel with practical tools to entrench fiscal responsibility and enhance operational delivery.
