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NAF Seeks Permission For Importation Of Aviation Fuel From Reps

Published

8 months ago

Mar 13, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Nigeria Air Force(NAF) Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has expressed concern over the steep fuel prices and the imposition of surcharges.

Abubakar noted that the price of Jet A-1 stood at approximately N1,200 per litre, significantly higher than the N360 per litre budgeted by the service.

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He identified this as one of the key factors impacting the service’s efficiency.

According to EKOHOTBLOG, Jet A-1 is a type of kerosene fuel suitable for a wide range of jet aircraft, including both civilian and military models, as well as helicopter turbine engines, turboprops, and compression-ignition piston engines.

During the visit to the NAF Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Abubakar addressed the members of the House of Representative Committee on Air Force, with Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the Chairman, leading the delegation.

In a statement issued by AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, it was revealed that Abubakar urged the National Assembly to authorize the importation of Jet A-1 fuel to support the ongoing air operations.

The statement partly read, “The CAS also used the opportunity of the visit to reel out some pressing challenges militating against NAF’s effectiveness, one of which is the astronomic rise in fuel prices and the introduction of surcharges.

“Currently, the situation is worsening, as the cost of Jet A-1 fluctuates at almost #1,200 per litre as against the budgeted #360 per litre. We are soliciting that the NAF be permitted to independently commence the importation of Jet A-1 fuel to sustain our ongoing air operations.”

Abubakar also requested the establishment of air operations command and control infrastructure among others.

“Other challenges enumerated by the CAS include the need to enhance NAF’s tactical airlift capability to support both land and maritime forces in various theatres of operations as well as disaster relief efforts in remote areas, the need for an air operations command and control infrastructure as well as the need for an enhanced Air Defence and Airspace Surveillance capabilities, among others,” the statement added.

However, Abubakar voiced concern over the recent surge in abductions within the country. The Air Chief attributed the rising crime rates nationwide to unemployment and the high cost of living.

He said, “While terrorists’ activities in the Northeast and Northwest Nigeria have declined, we have in recent times witnessed an escalation in the rate and frequency of kidnappings and hostage-taking by these same criminals in the region. The recent coordinated spade of kidnappings of over 200 school children in Kaduna, 15 students in Sokoto and several others in Borno States are clear pointers to this fact.”

“In the southeast and south-south region, the threats posed by secessionists and oil thieves, though on the decline, have also been a source of concern. These situations have been exacerbated as more Nigerians slip into poverty, occasioned by lack of jobs amid high cost of living, causing some to turn to crime.”