NAF Commissions Reconstructed Runway, Apron to Boost Air Operations in Rivers
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its operational capacity with the commissioning of a reconstructed runway and military apron in Rivers State, a development expected to enhance aircraft deployment and support national security operations across the South-South region.
The upgraded facilities were commissioned by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and are designed to improve aircraft turnaround times, maintenance, logistics and overall mission efficiency.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal Aneke commended the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for funding and supporting the reconstruction of the airport facilities.
He described the intervention as a significant example of state-level support for national defence, while also acknowledging the state government’s contribution to the handover of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the NAF.
The CAS said reliable aviation infrastructure was critical to sustaining effective military operations, noting that the reconstructed runway and apron would increase the readiness of the NAF and expand the number of missions that could be conducted from the facility.
“The new runway and apron will also increase our readiness, increase the number of missions the airport can support, and make our fleet more effective,” he said.
According to him, the upgraded facilities will enhance surveillance and reconnaissance, aircraft turnaround and rapid deployment in response to security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy, organised crime and illegal bunkering.
The facility is also expected to strengthen the NAF’s capacity for humanitarian and emergency operations, including medical evacuations, search-and-rescue missions, disaster response and rapid air transportation during emergencies such as floods and disease outbreaks.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support for defence infrastructure, equipment acquisition and personnel welfare.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies, as well as the engineers, contractors, project managers, supervisors and NAF personnel who contributed to the timely completion of the project without disrupting ongoing operations.
The CAS further commended surrounding communities for their cooperation and support throughout the project.
The commissioning marks another step in the NAF’s efforts to build a more agile, responsive and mission-ready force, with the enhanced facility expected to support security operations, logistics, training and humanitarian missions.
The development also highlights the importance of collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in strengthening Nigeria’s defence infrastructure and improving the country’s capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security and humanitarian challenges.
NAF Commissions Reconstructed Runway, Apron to Boost Air Operations in Rivers