August 02, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Government has donated a parcel of land for the establishment of a Forward Operational Base (FOB) for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the state.
Governor Umo Eno announced the donation during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, at Government House, Uyo, on Friday. He also presented the official documents for the land to the Air Force delegation.
Governor Eno said the gesture reflects the state’s continued commitment to strengthening security infrastructure and deepening collaboration with security agencies.
According to him, the Air Force base would bolster security operations within Akwa Ibom and along national boundaries, particularly as the state is a key coastal location.
“We thank you for the Air Force base that is going to be strategically located in Akwa Ibom State. Before now, apart from the school and the presence at the airport, the Air Force was the only arm of security not fully on ground in Akwa Ibom.”
He explained that the establishment of the FOB would formally integrate the Nigerian Air Force into the state’s security architecture, enhancing air surveillance and response capabilities.
“As a littoral state, this base will help us maintain oversight over our coastal boundaries and support air operations that contribute to our internal security”, the Governor stated.
Governor Eno noted that Akwa Ibom has consistently ranked among the most peaceful states in the country, attributing this to the state’s firm commitment to security and inter-agency collaboration.
He also acknowledged the academic excellence at the Nigerian Air Force School in the state and appealed for increased enrollment opportunities for children of Akwa Ibom residents.
In response, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the Governor and people of the state for their support and hospitality.
Abubakar said the donated land, located within proximity to the Eket Airstrip, would significantly aid in the rapid development of the Forward Operational Base and related facilities.
He described the land donation as strategic, noting that the base would enhance both national defence and homeland security, while also encouraging commercial and tourism activities in the region.
“I must thank you, Your Excellency, for your support in transferring the Eket Airstrip to the Nigerian Air Force. This shows your commitment to national security and the growth of the blue economy.”
He emphasised that the base would help secure key national assets such as the Floating LNG Plant, Ibom Deep Sea Port, and the BUA Refinery, all located within Akwa Ibom’s coastal corridor.
“These facilities hold immense economic value, and the enhanced NAF presence will provide additional layers of protection for them”, he said.
Abubakar assured that the Air Force would continue to support the security agenda of the state, especially under the ARISE development blueprint of the Umo Eno administration.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, and members of the State Executive Council.
