President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on collaboration and partnership with technological, innovative institutions, industries and individuals to enhance its performance and operational capacity.

Mr Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, gave the task at the ceremonial parade and aerial display marking the 59th-anniversary celebration of NAF, otherwise known as NAF Day 2023, in Enugu on Saturday.

He urged the air force to increase its local capacity building through practical and purposeful collaboration and partnership with technological-innovative institutions, industries and individuals to improve its platforms.

“This would enhance your performance to counter contemporary and emerging security challenges,” he said.

He said NAF should strive to expand its collaboration beyond the military.

“There is a great amount of potential waiting to be unleashed from this collaboration and partnership,” he said.

“This administration has committed substantial national resources to enhance the overall capabilities of the armed forces, especially the NAF,” the president said.

“The huge investments in expanding the capacity of the Nigerian Air Force have led to the turning of the tide against insecurity and activities of other violent non-state actors in our nation,” he said.

Mr Buhari said NAF had proved its mettle since its local and international establishment.

“Indeed, our air force is willing and able at any time to deliver on its mandates and capability, and it can and always stand shoulder to shoulder with any other advanced air forces in any country of the world,” he said.

Mr Buhari, who enumerated various fighting aircraft and other platforms acquired for NAF in his administration, appreciated the air force for locally and ingeniously resuscitating some aircraft in its fighting fleets.

The president also inducted some new platforms of NAF, including DA-62 (Special Mission Aircraft) and Wing Loong II (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, and a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff attended the event.

(NAN)