ABUJA-Following the contemporary security challenges confronting the nation, the Chief of Air Staff(CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has called for the optimization of the Nigerian Air Force Logistics setup, to ensure responsiveness to the ever increasing NAF operations.
The CAS who made the call on Thursday, in his opening remarks at the 2018 Nigerian Air Force Logistics Conference, stressed that if the logistics architecture is not right, it would be a herculean task for fighting forces in the field to win battles.
He however noted that despite the giant stride recorded in the area of acquisition of various platforms for the NAF, particularly in recent years, timely and effective delivery of logistics remain a daunting challenge, adding also that despite renewed efforts to address some of these challenges, the outcome only highlights the need for an all-inclusive approach derivable from the engagement of stakeholders.
He noted beyond doubts, that the theme of this year’s Conference – “Optimization of NAF Logistics Architecture: A Pre-requisite for Enhancement of Contemporary Logistics Operations in the NAF” is not only timely but apt.
“I believe that whenever a structural problem is identified, the first thing to do in solving that problem is to ensure that the structure or framework is right, so that strategies developed are delivered properly.
“This Conference must therefore evaluate the adequacy or inadequacy of the NAF logistics architecture and recommend ways forward, in line with extant laws and global best practices. With the calibre of resource persons and participants in this hall, I am confident that we shall do justice to the theme of the Conference”, the CAS remarked.
On his part, the Chief of Logistics, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Yahaya, stated, that the theme of the conference was chosen in the light of the lingering challenges militating against timely and effective delivery of logistics in support of air operations.
While appreciating the Chief of the Air Staff for approving the Conference, he assured him that the conference would serve its intended purpose of repositioning NAF logistics into a professional and disciplined force capable of providing the needed timely and efficient support for NAF operations.
He expressed hopes, that the resolutions of the conference would go a long way at addressing some of the doubts of the officers and men in the Logistics Branch and field units, in addition to opening their eyes to some of the opportunities inherent in the logistics trade specialty.
The Directorate of Procurement was established in September 2015, to take over the responsibilities of NAF Procurement Planning Committee in line with provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2017 and global best practices.
