UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE — The Federal Government has commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, following the official handover of the first-ever Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia, describing the project as a landmark investment in national security and civil-military cooperation.

Governor Otti formally handed over the state-of-the-art facility to the Federal Government on Friday, July 31, 2026, in the presence of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the Air Staff.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Otti reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government, stressing that the project reflects the benefits of strategic collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

“For us, the right to security for our people, whether they are residents or visitors, is non-negotiable,” the Governor declared.

Governor Otti described the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia as “a dream come true,” noting that it completes the presence of the nation’s three 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 thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for supporting the initiative and assured that his administration would continue to provide every necessary support to ensure the Force succeeds in its operations within the State.

He also disclosed that the Abia State Government has allocated 120 hectares of land at the ongoing Abia Airport project in Nsulu for the construction of a permanent Nigerian Air Force Base, with work expected to commence immediately after completion of the airport runway.

Governor Otti further revealed that residential accommodation has already been secured for Air Force personnel in Umuahia while expressing his administration’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian Air Force in education and human capital development. He emphasized that security remains the foundation for sustainable economic growth and social development.

The Governor also paid tribute to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), and the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Abiodun Lagbaja, for their support during the security challenges that followed the killing of soldiers in Abia in May 2024.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, noted that the Governor’s administration considers the protection of lives and property a constitutional responsibility, adding that the Air Force facility is part of deliberate efforts to strengthen the State’s security framework and create a safer environment for development.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised Governor Otti for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to national security, saying the establishment of a permanent Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia represents a historic milestone for the South-East.

“This gesture transcends politics. It goes far beyond bricks and mortar. 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,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.

He further disclosed that, in nearly ten months as Chief of the Air Staff, Governor Otti is the first state governor to personally deliver security infrastructure of such magnitude to the Nigerian Air Force, describing the gesture as one that has significantly reduced the operational burden on the Force.

Air Marshal Aneke assured residents that officers deployed to Abia would prioritise the safety and welfare of the people while revealing that the Nigerian Air Force would give serious consideration to the Governor’s request for the establishment of a military training institution in the State.

Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), commended Governor Otti for demonstrating exceptional leadership through strategic investment in security infrastructure.

He urged Air Force personnel posted to Abia to uphold professionalism and contribute meaningfully to the peace and development of the State.

Earlier, Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), explained that the project was conceived as part of Governor Otti’s strategic vision to strengthen Abia’s security architecture.

The newly completed complex comprises a fully furnished administrative headquarters with an auditorium, conference hall, clinic, armoury, registry, offices, kitchen, canteens and other operational facilities, alongside supporting infrastructure including a guardroom, quarter guard, gatehouse, observatory post and works unit.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, members of the State Executive Council, senior military officers, government officials and other dignitaries.