Air Force chief urges optimisation of NAF logistics for effective operations

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has called for the optimisation of the Air Force logistics setup to make it responsive to its ever increasing operations.
Abubakar, who made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the NAF Logistics conference, described good logistics as combat power.
The theme of the conference is: “Optimisation of NAF Logistics Architecture: A Pre-requisite for Enhancement of Contemporary Logistics Operations in the NAF”.
The purpose of the conference is to reposition the NAF’s logistics into a professional and disciplined force capable of providing the needed timely and efficient support for its operations.
Abubakar said that based on the understanding that “good logistics is combat power’’ he gave directive in 2015 for awareness lectures on public procurement for all stakeholders in the procurement and logistics chain.
He said: “The sensitisation initiative in addition to other stakeholders’ engagements culminated in the establishment of the Directorate of Procurement in September 2015.”
He explained that the directorate took over the responsibilities of NAF `Procurement Planning Committee’ in line with provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2017 and global best practices.
He said: “I believe these efforts helped to create greater synergy between Headquarter NAF and the field units, thus improving the overall NAF procurement and logistics support processes.”
He said the theme of the conference was not only timely but apt in the light of contemporary security challenges confronting the nation.
He said: “in spite of the giant stride we have 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.
“If the logistics architecture is not right, it would be a herculean task for fighting forces in the field to win battles.
“In spite renewed of efforts to address some of these challenges, the outcome only highlights the need for an all-inclusive approach derivable from the engagement of stakeholders.
“Furthermore, the recent organisational changes within the Nigerian Air Force and the resultant expansion calls for the optimisation of the Nigerian Air Force Logistics setup to make it more responsive to ever increasing Nigerian Air Force operations.
“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 of logistics architecture and recommend ways forward in line with extant laws and global best practices.”
The Chief of Logistics, NAF, AVM Ibrahim Yahaya, said that the conference was also part of the overall vision of the air force chief to inject fresh ideas into the NAF logistics architecture.
Yahaya said the aim was to make it more response to contemporary challenges in supply chain management.
He lauded Abubakar for giving approval for the conference, his foresight, dynamic leadership style and overall support to the actualisation of the missions of the logistics branch.
Yahaya said: “Let me assure you that this 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 the NAF.”
He explained 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 operations.
He said: “It is also the belief of the current NAF leadership that the NAF logistics procedure requires a review in line with emerging realities and international best practices.”