The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) operations have raised concerns over the high cost of JET A-1 aviation fuel in the country.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Marshal Isiaka Amao noted that if the development is not urgently tackled it is capable of adversely affecting the sector while noting that NAF buys JET A-1 at N950 per liter against N360 appropriated for it in the 2022 budget.
Amao explained that since the anti-terror war commenced, NAF has been conducting air surveillance and bombing of terrorists hideouts in troubled parts of the country, especially the Northeast and Northwest.
The CAS also explained that the Force currently has 38 new aircraft, including 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft recently bought by the government and some of them are being used for the training of its pilots.
However, he has suggested two ways the Federal Government could intervene to save the situation are issuance of a license to NAF to directly import aviation fuel and the establishment of a coastal reception depot where trucks could load the product to designated points for NAF jets.
The CAS added that the Air force coordinates with other security agencies to provide security at the nation’s airports and has consolidated the security of international airport through activities of Mobile Field Defence Team that is been deployed at the airport.
Amao further urged the government to commence implementation of the military component of the TRACON project by the third quarter of 2023.
Pointing out that an agreement between NAF and Nigeria Air Space Management Agency was currently being reviewed to improve cooperation/coordination in several areas, including research and development.
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