By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its mission-focused training drive with the inauguration of the 2026 Sundry Military and Aviation Fuel Handling Courses at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal A.K. Ademuwagun, stated that the courses are structured to meet evolving operational demands. He noted that the initiative reflects the Service’s sustained commitment to operational readiness, professionalism, and enhanced joint operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff further highlighted that the participation of personnel from the Nigerian Army, alongside international students from the Ghanaian Air Force, demonstrates growing inter-service cooperation and regional collaboration. He added that this development reinforces AFIT’s status as a centre of excellence with influence beyond Nigeria.
Air Marshal Aneke explained that the 2026 training programmes are based on a reviewed curriculum that emphasizes practical, hands-on learning to bridge the gap between theory and real-world operations. According to him, the objective is to produce personnel capable of immediate deployment, with the competence to diagnose faults, conduct maintenance tasks, and perform efficiently under supervision.
He also underscored the importance of aviation fuel management in ensuring effective air operations, noting that the Aviation Fuel Handling and Management Course focuses on quality assurance, contamination control, and strict adherence to safety standards.
Participants were urged to approach the training with discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, as their expertise will directly impact operational effectiveness and flight safety.
The Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his continued confidence in AFIT’s capacity to train Nigerian Army Aviation personnel. He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-relevant training in critical areas including fuel quality control, storage, dispensing, and safety management.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Technical and Vocational Training, Group Captain O.G. Alabi, described the courses as a deliberate initiative aimed at producing technically proficient and mission-ready personnel capable of addressing the complex demands of modern military operations.
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