The Federal Government has praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for constructing and officially handing over Nigeria’s first state-built Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex to the Federal Government.
The facility was formally presented on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Umuahia during a ceremony attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.).
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting the lives and property of residents and visitors in the state.
“For us, the right to security for our people, whether they are residents or visitors, is non-negotiable,” Otti said, describing the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia as “a dream come true.”
He noted that the new complex completes the presence of all three branches of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in the state, alongside the Nigerian Army’s Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks in Ohafia and the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance in Owerinta.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for supporting the establishment of the facility, assuring them of his administration’s continued cooperation.
“I formally welcome the Nigerian Air Force to Abia and assure you that, within the limits of our powers, we shall provide whatever is required to guarantee your success in safeguarding our dear state,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Aneke, described the handover as a landmark achievement that would enhance security and promote socio-economic development across the South-East.
He commended Governor Otti for the initiative, noting that it was the first time since assuming office that a state governor had donated infrastructure of such scale to the Nigerian Air Force.
“This gesture transcends politics. It is a defining contribution to national defence and stability and a trailblazing legacy that will bear your name in the annals of Nigeria’s security architecture,” Aneke said.
He added that the project had significantly eased the burden on the Air Force and assured residents that personnel deployed to the state would remain committed to protecting lives and property.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), also lauded the governor, describing him as “a leader whose actions speak louder than words.”
He urged Air Force personnel stationed in Abia to maintain professionalism and contribute positively to peace, security and the state’s overall development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Special Adviser on Security, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, disclosed that the complex was built according to Nigerian Air Force specifications.
According to the officials, the facility features an auditorium, conference hall, clinic, armoury, offices, canteen, guardroom, gatehouse and observatory post, providing the infrastructure required for the Air Force’s administrative and operational activities in the state.
