The Rivers State government has reaffirmed its administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to boost security across the state’s waterways.
The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, made the declaration while receiving the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, during a courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara noted that Rivers State and the Nigerian Air Force have maintained a long-standing and productive partnership, and that successive administrations in the state have consistently nurtured the relationship.
According to him, his administration’s continued support for the Air Force is a deliberate effort to sustain the vision and cooperation established by his predecessors.
He recalled a period when the Port Harcourt International Airport was shut down for rehabilitation, noting that the NAF Base played a crucial role in providing access to air transportation for residents of the state during that time.
“My predecessors have always maintained a good working relationship with the Nigerian Air Force. When the international airport was closed years ago, the NAF Base provided us with access to air transportation until the airport was rehabilitated and reopened, supporting the Nigerian Air Force is therefore not a mistake but a continuation of the vision and understanding established before my administration,” Fubara said.
The Governor also explained that the recent donation of an Augusta (AW) 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force was approved by the State Executive Council after considering that the aircraft had been lying unused but could be effectively deployed to support security operations in the state.
He said the aircraft would enhance the Air Force’s capacity to combat criminal activities in the state, especially in the waterways.
“It was simply a decision by the Executive Council, we had this asset that was not being used, and if the Nigerian Air Force could deploy it to strengthen security operations, especially in our waterways, then the wise thing was to hand it over,” Fubara stated.
Runway Upgrade
Governor Fubara said that the recent upgrade of the runway at the NAF Base in Port Harcourt would also enable the Air Force to conduct sensitive security operations in a more discreet environment, rather than relying solely on public facilities like the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Beyond security collaboration, Governor Fubara commended the military for its growing involvement in community development, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
He assured the Air Force that his administration would review its request for the possible handover of a public primary school and the state-owned Mother and Child Hospital located within the NAF Base.
“We want to assure you that our relationship with the Air Force is unshakeable. Without you and other arms of the military, we may not have the peaceful and business-friendly environment that Rivers State enjoys today,” the Governor added.
In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Aneke, commended the Rivers State Government for its consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force, particularly the rehabilitation of the runway at the Air Force Base and the donation of the AW139 helicopter, and also acknowledged the state’s assistance in providing infrastructure, accommodation, and logistics for NAF personnel operating in the state.
The Air Chief further proposed that the Nigerian Air Force take over the management of the state-owned Mother and Child Hospital as well as the public primary school located within the base.
According to him, military hospitals in many developed countries are among the most advanced medical facilities, and transferring the hospital to the Air Force would help maximize its capacity while improving emergency response services for both personnel and members of the host community.
“Currently, about 80 percent of the outpatients visiting our base hospital are members of the host community. Transferring the Mother and Child Hospital will enable us to make better use of the facility while easing access during emergencies,” Aneke said.
He emphasised that Rivers State remains strategically important to Nigeria due to its central role in oil and gas production as well as maritime activities.
As such, the Nigerian Air Force plays a critical role in protecting oil and gas infrastructure and other key national assets within the state.
“Our efforts here have contributed to improved production and, by extension, increased revenue for both Rivers State and the federation,” he said.
Modern Security Systems
Aneke also urged the state government to adopt modern, technology-driven security systems to effectively combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities.
“I would like Rivers State to fight smart. It is no longer just about numbers but about strategy, in modern security operations, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles have changed the game. A drone can remain in the air for up to two days without refueling and within minutes provide intelligence that allows security agencies to respond swiftly,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government and its people for their continued support and hospitality, assuring that the Nigerian Air Force would remain committed to protecting lives, infrastructure, and the economic interests of the state.