In a major milestone for Nigeria’s military infrastructure, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially commissioned its new Headquarters Annex Complex in Gudu, Abuja a development expected to boost administrative efficiency, improve personnel welfare, and strengthen the country’s airpower capabilities.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, October 6, 2025, was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who commended the Air Force leadership for its strategic foresight and commitment to institutional transformation. The minister described the new annex as a visionary project that reflects resilience, innovation, and effective long-term planning within one of Nigeria’s most critical defence institutions.
According to Dr. Abubakar, the annex was established to decongest the overstretched NAF Headquarters in Garki and to create a more functional and efficient work environment. The relocation of key directorates, including the Air Secretary, Standards and Evaluation, Transformation and Innovation, and the 051 Personnel Management Group, will, he said, significantly enhance coordination and operational synergy within the force.
He further noted that since its establishment in 1964, the Nigerian Air Force has evolved into a formidable component of the country’s defence architecture, with an expanding mandate that now encompasses air defence, logistics, and strategic operations in joint military engagements. “The opening of this annex demonstrates the NAF’s unwavering commitment to excellence and modernization,” the minister added.
Dr. Abubakar also commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, for his dedication to improving the welfare and working conditions of officers and airmen. He highlighted that the project aligns with the Chief’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated and professional force through infrastructure renewal and capacity development.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar explained that the Gudu Annex was deliberately acquired and remodelled to provide a more conducive workspace for officers and to streamline administrative operations across departments. “This commissioning stands as a testament to our dynamism, resilience, and forward-looking posture as a modern Air Force,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support of the Nigerian military, noting that the administration’s investment in modern infrastructure, welfare improvement, and training has been instrumental in advancing national security objectives.
The event drew several high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, other Service Chiefs, senior government officials, and members of the National Assembly Committees on Air Force.
Observers say the establishment of the Gudu Headquarters Annex underscores a broader institutional reform within the Nigerian Air Force one that prioritizes efficiency, innovation, and personnel well-being as essential pillars for enhancing the nation’s air defence capabilities. With this expansion, the NAF continues to demonstrate a commitment to modernization and operational readiness in line with global military standards.
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