The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and training infrastructure across the Nigerian Armed Forces.
During an official visit to Kaduna, Ambassador Aduda inspected the newly completed 100-bed Medical Interns Accommodation Facility at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (NARH).
The state-of-the-art complex features en-suite rooms, fully equipped common areas, recreational lounges, and an alternative solar power system—designed to provide a comfortable and sustainable living environment for medical interns.
Speaking after the tour, Ambassador Aduda expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facility, noting that dignified accommodation plays a critical role in improving the performance and morale of healthcare professionals within the Armed Forces.
“By investing in quality living conditions, we empower our interns to focus on their responsibilities without distraction, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for our gallant men and women in uniform,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored the importance of reliable infrastructure such as steady power supply and well-equipped communal areas to ensure an efficient, safe, and supportive environment for residents.
In a related development, Ambassador Aduda conducted an assessment visit to the Special Operations Forces Training Ground at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Camp Kabala. Accompanied by the Camp Commandant, Major General FS Etim, the Permanent Secretary inspected ongoing training exercises and facilities, commending the high standards of discipline and operational readiness demonstrated by the personnel.
He was joined on the tour by senior officials including Dr. Sunday Attah, Director of Army Affairs at the Ministry of Defence; Brigadier General GS Ogoh, Director of Medical Services at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, and other Ministry representatives.
These visits underscore the Ministry’s broader strategic vision to strengthen operational capacity and enhance the welfare of military personnel through sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital.
In a sweeping nationwide tour aimed at revitalizing the Nigeria Police Force Airwing, the recently appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Airwing, CP Martin Nwogoh, embarked on a series of high-level courtesy visits to strategic stakeholders in the aviation industry and within the Nigeria Police hierarchy.
These engagements, held between May 14 and May 22, 2025, are a continuation of CP Nwogoh’s effort to drive forward the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s agenda to reposition the Airwing as a formidable aerial surveillance and tactical support unit.
The visits, which spanned Lagos, Osogbo in Osun State, Enugu, and Lafia in Nasarawa State, were focused on fostering collaborative partnerships in aircraft maintenance, technical training, drone deployment, and infrastructure development. The CP used the engagements as platforms to rally for support, share the IGP’s vision, and cement critical partnerships to ensure continued airworthiness, operational sustainability, and training advancements for the Airwing.
Engagement with Caverton Group: Consolidating Technical Collaboration
CP Martin Nwogoh visited the Caverton Group Headquarters in Lagos where he was warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer, Captain Rotimi Makajola. In his welcome address, outlined Caverton’s operational footprint spanning aviation and marine services, with emphasis on training and maintenance capabilities.
During the CP Martin Nwogoh, CP Airwing’s Visit to Airfirst Mainatance and Engineering Limited Lagos Recently
Highlighting their deep expertise in aircraft maintenance, Captain Makajola expressed Caverton’s readiness to partner with the Police Airwing by integrating police engineers into their maintenance programs.
In his response, CP Nwogoh expressed deep appreciation for Caverton’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and technical proficiency, acknowledging that the collaboration would be instrumental in actualizing the IGP’s vision to restore grounded aircraft and roll out drone operations nationwide. According to the CP, this synergy would ensure that criminal elements find “no hiding place” as the Airwing regains its full operational strength.
The CP was taken on a guided tour of Caverton’s maintenance hangars, drone assembly hall, logistics facilities, and training classrooms.
Captain Makajola, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed Caverton’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police in achieving aviation excellence.
Commissioner of police Airwing Pays Courtesy Visit to Caverton Helicopters in Lagos
Strategic Engagement with Lagos State Police Command
In a related engagement, CP Nwogoh paid a courtesy visit to CP Oluhundare Jimo, the 41st Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
In his address, CP Nwogoh decried the dire state of the Airwing’s hangar infrastructure in Lagos, calling for collaborative efforts to refurbish it in line with the IGP’s revamp directive.
He emphasized the strategic importance of aerial coverage in addressing Nigeria’s complex security terrain, citing the ongoing patrols on the Kaduna–Abuja highway as a successful deployment model and raised the urgent need to operationalize the IRS helicopters.
CP Jimo pledged unwavering support to the Airwing’s revitalization effort, expressing confidence in CP Nwogoh’s capacity to lead this transformation. He acknowledged the Airwing’s critical role in national security and promised to discuss the need for aerial surveillance in Ikorodu with the proactive Lagos State Governor.
Consolidating Aviation Training Partnerships: Visit to Aero Consult ATO
At the Aero Consult Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) in Lagos, CP Nwogoh was received by Mr. Christopher A. O., the Accountable Manager, who introduced the Aero Consult management and outlined the organisation’s aviation programs and capabilities. The meeting marked another milestone in the CP’s mission to consolidate partnerships with aviation training institutions.
CP Nwogoh emphasized the crucial role of aviation in effective crime fighting and security operations, reiterating the IGP’s directive for robust training and retraining of Airwing officers. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Aero Consult’s application for formal partnership with the Police Airwing to build technical capacity.
Mr. Christopher expressed appreciation for the CP’s historic visit and reiterated Aero Consult’s readiness to support the Police Airwing in any capacity.
Lecture and Facility Tour at the Lagos Airwing Hangar
On May 14, 2025, CP Nwogoh delivered a lecture and conducted a facility inspection at the Lagos Airwing Hangar. DCP A. Razaq welcomed the CP and gave a detailed briefing on recent achievements and prevailing challenges, including poor accommodation, absence of a functional power generator, vehicle shortages, and general disrepair of the hangar premises.
CP Nwogoh praised the resilience of the officers and pledged immediate action, starting with the provision of a power generator upon his return to Abuja.
The CP emphasized the strategic importance of the Lagos Hangar as the first in the country and assured the personnel of its full restoration. He outlined the IGP’s broader agenda to revive grounded aircraft, deploy drones, reinforce discipline, and improve welfare across the Airwing.
The CP also toured key facilities including the dilapidated AIG’s Office, library, stores, pilot rooms, avionics section, and administrative areas, reaffirming his resolve to overhaul Airwing infrastructure Nationwide in line with the IGP’s directive.
Strengthening Ties with Airfirst and Aviation Stakeholders
Furthering technical collaborations, CP Nwogoh paid a courtesy visit to Airfirst, an MRO service provider, whose Abuja office currently operates out of the Police Hangar. Discussions centered on integrating the Airwing into Airfirst’s Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO), which would enhance the operational sustainability of Police aircraft.
Osogbo Visit: Appeal for Infrastructure Development
On May 16, 2025, CP Nwogoh visited Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, where he met with the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad. The visit focused on the Police helipad in Osogbo, which currently lacks a hangar and technical facilities. CP Nwogoh emphasized the need to deploy pilots, engineers, and necessary equipment to activate operations at the site.
CP Umar pledged to communicate the importance of the facility to the State Governor and to seek his support in establishing a fully functional hangar and associated infrastructure.
Tour of Enugu Airwing Facility and Visit to International Helicopter Flying School
CP Nwogoh’s tour also took him to Enugu, where he inspected the Airwing facility established in 2014 under the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime. Although the hangar includes accommodation and office space for pilots and engineers, it has remained underutilized due to the absence of personnel and equipment. CP Nwogoh met with the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the state Commissioner of Police to discuss deployment plans. Both pledged their full support, with the Governor promising assistance once operations commence.
The CP also visited the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) located at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. He was received by the Rector, Captain F.S. Ma’aji, who detailed the school’s achievements, including the graduation of 30 students, facility upgrades, and international training engagements, such as the recent graduation of eight Burkina Faso military personnel.
Captain Ma’aji recounted the school’s founding in 2012 and praised the performance of its pioneering students, many of whom are now senior Police Airwing officers. He proposed the conversion of 12 fixed-wing pilots to helicopter pilots and highlighted the school’s advanced training equipment, including simulators and Robinson helicopter maintenance capabilities.
In his response, CP Nwogoh commended the school’s contributions to aviation training and reaffirmed the IGP’s directive on retraining and up-skilling police pilots. He expressed strong interest in the proposed conversion training and noted the need for continued collaboration to enhance the Police Airwing’s human capital.
A Vision for Transformation
Throughout the multi-city tour, which concluded on Thursday, May 22 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, CP Martin Nwogoh demonstrated a clear vision and unwavering commitment to transform the Nigeria Police Airwing into a world-class aerial support unit as directed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D. His strategic engagements with technical partners, training institutions, and police commands are laying the groundwork for a modern, responsive, and professional aviation wing.
The partnerships initiated during this tour reflect a broader determination to restore all grounded helicopters, deploy drone technology, and ensure that no part of Nigeria is beyond the reach of law enforcement. As CP Nwogoh continues his tour, more updates are expected as the Airwing edges closer to a new era of operational excellence and national security support.
The Arewa Youth Leaders League (AYLL) has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s choice of Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
In a statement signed by Usman Attah, the group said this strategic decision has yielded remarkable results, positioning Nigeria for greatness in the aviation sector.
Attah said Keyamo’s exceptional leadership has transformed the ministry, showcasing his commitment to excellence, transparency and accountability.
He noted that his vision for a safer, more efficient, and globally compliant aviation industry has earned him widespread acclaim.
“Keyamo’s tenure has been marked by remarkable achievements,” he said.
“Notably, Nigeria’s global aviation compliance score has significantly improved, following the signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA).
“This milestone, coupled with the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, has propelled Nigeria’s rating from 49% to 70.5% in just a month.
“This impressive feat removes Nigeria from the AWG’s watch list of non-compliant countries, categorizing it as ‘high’ and unlocking avenues for aircraft financing and dry-leasing.
“Nigerian airline operators will now enjoy greater access to global aircraft leasing markets.
“Keyamo’s efforts have also enhanced safety standards, improved infrastructure development, and fostered collaboration with international partners.
“His dedication to addressing long-standing challenges has instilled confidence in stakeholders.
“The minister’s latest achievements demonstrate his ability to drive positive change.
“The signing of IDERA and the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction exemplify his strategic approach to reforming Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
The Arewa Youth Leaders League, therefore, urged Keyamo to sustain this momentum, tackling persistent challenges such as flight delays and cancellations.
“Addressing these issues will further boost public trust and reinforce his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s aviation landscape,” Attah further said.
“As Keyamo continues to excel, we call on all stakeholders to support his vision for a world-class aviation sector. Collective backing will enable him to overcome remaining hurdles and solidify Nigeria’s position as a leader in African aviation.
“The Arewa Youth Leaders League commends Minister Keyamo’s tireless efforts and pledges its unwavering support for his transformative agenda. We look forward to witnessing continued progress under his leadership.”
Some pro-government groups have praised Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for their outstanding performances in office, urging them to sustain their efforts.
Under the auspices of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network in Nigeria, they acknowledged the ministers’ dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement signed by its President Dr William Abu, the groups said Ministers Utsev and Keyamo have demonstrated unwavering passion for Nigeria’s progress, inspiring hope and confidence among Nigerians.
“Professor Joseph Utsev has transformed the water resources sector through innovative approaches. His initiatives have improved access to clean water, enhanced sanitation infrastructure, and promoted sustainable water management practices,” Abu said.
“Utsev has introduced groundbreaking reforms, including sustainable river basin management, revitalizing ailing irrigation schemes, and promoting integrated water resources management. His water supply expansion projects have increased access to potable water in rural communities.
“The Minister’s leadership has also upgraded waste management facilities, promoting hygiene practices and implementing efficient water usage policies. His efforts have boosted the economy by increasing food production, creating jobs, and enhancing sanitation.”
In the aviation sector, Abu said Festus Keyamo has elevated Nigeria’s standing with strategic plans to make the country Africa’s leading aviation hub through local airline empowerment, international route expansion, and airport infrastructure upgrades.
“Keyamo’s reforms have enhanced airport infrastructure, improved air travel safety, and fostered innovation in the aerospace industry. His leadership promotes transparency, accountability, and a culture of excellence’” Abu added.
“Keyamo’s vision for Nigeria’s aviation sector has received widespread acclaim. His efforts have improved Nigeria’s global ranking and attractiveness to investors.
“The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network in Nigeria commends Ministers Utsev and Keyamo for their remarkable achievements and urges them to continue their excellent work.”
The groups, however, urged them to maitain the momentum, continue delivering exceptional results, and remain steadfast in their commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
By doing so, Abu said Utsev and Keyamo will further cement their legacies, inspire hope among Nigerians, and significantly contribute to President Tinubu’s vision for a brighter future.
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