The 2024 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Finance Seminar was held at theMD Umar Blue Room in Abuja, with a gathering of top dignitaries, including Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, principal staff officers of the Air Force, permanent secretaries from various ministries, branch chiefs from Defence and Service Headquarters, and other senior officers, both serving and retired. The event focused on fostering a culture of accountability within the Air Force’s financial management systems.
With the theme, “Fostering a Culture of Accountability in the Management of NAF Finances in Support of Contemporary Air Power Demands,” the seminar aimed to reinforce the need for integrity and prudence in financial dealings within the NAF.
In his opening remarks, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar emphasized that efficient resource management is crucial to maintaining a high state of operational readiness. He stated, “Managing resources with integrity and prudence enhances the Air Force’s ability to train, equip, and deploy personnel effectively.”
Before declaring the seminar open, Air Marshal Abubakar encouraged active engagement from participants, urging them to share their experiences and leverage the expertise of the resource persons present to enhance the NAF’s financial management capabilities. His message was clear: financial accountability is vital to ensuring the success of military operations.
Earlier, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB), Air Vice Marshal CU Nwagwu, highlighted the seminar’s goal of enhancing the professional capacity of NAF finance personnel in managing public funds to support the Air Force’s mission. He pointed out that effective financial management is central to the NAF’s ability to meet contemporary air power demands.
In her lecture titled “Managing Financial Resources in the Face of Rising Contemporary Security Challenges: Federal Government Financial Reforms in Perspective,” Mrs. Lydia Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, emphasized the importance of military finance personnel embracing the Federal Government’s financial reforms. She called for a heightened culture of accountability, aligning military financial practices with national financial reforms.
This Seminar serves as a vital reminder that the strength of any military organization lies not just in its personnel and equipment but in the sound management of its financial resources. By fostering a culture of accountability and integrity, the Nigerian Air Force will be better positioned to meet the demands of modern air power and remain prepared for the security challenges ahead. The active commitment of all personnel to these principles will ensure that the NAF’s financial systems are not only transparent but effective in supporting its strategic objectives.