By Emmanuel Obisue
As the 4th African Air Forces Forum commenced on Thursday in Lagos, a powerful appeal for unity and deeper collaboration among African nations to address the continent’s growing and complex security threats, was made.
Delivering the opening remarks, Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, urged African air forces to foster cooperation, mutual trust, and strategic alignment as the cornerstone of efforts to maintain peace and stability across the region.
“In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, the capacity to project airpower for deterrence, surveillance, logistics, or combat has become indispensable. However, at the core of Africa’s effective employment of airpower lies the imperative for trusted partnerships anchored in shared values and strategic interests,” a shared statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information quoted the CAS as saying.
“As threats become increasingly transnational in nature, the urgency for enhanced cooperation, innovation, and strategic foresight among African air forces cannot be overemphasised,” added Air Marshal Abubakar. He posited that the forum presents a crucial opportunity for forging alliances, sharing knowledge, and advancing technology transfer aimed at achieving Africa’s aerospace self-reliance.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru, who attended the forum as the Special Guest of Honour, reaffirmed the centrality of airpower in military strategy. He encouraged all African air chiefs to strengthen their collaborative frameworks for greater collective security.
Also addressing the forum, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, welcomed delegates to what he described as “Africa’s most vibrant city.” He urged participants to explore Lagos beyond the conference halls: “While you are here for serious conversations, do take a moment to savour the sights and sounds of this unforgettable city,” he urged.
Themed “Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security”, this year’s forum drew over 1,300 participants, including air chiefs, defence experts, strategic partners, and exhibitors from more than 50 countries. The two-day event will feature high-level discussions on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, ISR; counterterrorism; and the evolving role of airpower in asymmetric warfare.
The forum’s opening day showcased an array of international defence innovations, received goodwill messages from global air force leaders, and set the stage for what organisers expect to be a milestone event in shaping a united African airpower vision.
