Nigerian military revamps A109 hangar at Lagos

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Mohammed Umar, Tuesday said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is better positioned to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation’s airspace.

Umar made this disclosure during the launch of the newly refurbished Agusta 109 Helicopter Maintenance Hangar in Lagos.
The hangar was refurbished in partnership with Agusta Westland, an Italy-based helicopter design and manufacturing company.

According to him, the maintenance hangar would go a long way to save cost as well as ensure self reliance.

He said: “Our goal is to domesticate fourth-line helicopter maintenance, save cost and enhance self-reliance in collaboration with stakeholders.

“And as such, the newly refurbished maintenance hangar would reposition the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in confronting security challenges in the country and the African continent at large.”

Still on the need to tackle the country’s security challenges, Umar said democracy has further helped NAF in terms of enhancing their capacity and efficiency.

“The advent of democracy has in no doubt brought out our capabilities and efficiency in ensuring the security of the country and the African continent at large.

“Having been boosted by democracy, we can now boast of a lot of platforms, trainees and maintenance all which are geared towards greater efficiency and productivity.” To crown off the landmark event, the Senior Regional Manager, Agusta Westland, Mr. Sergio Candiani, signed and handed over the certificate of the hangar to Umar.


Source: By Chiemelie Ezeobi- April 26, 2012 (thisdaylive.com)

Photo: Nigerian Air Force Agusta A109 LUH helicopter (Photo by © Ken Iwelumo / Global Aviation Images )

(26.04.2012)