The timely and reliable supply of aviation fuel is critical to the sustainability of effective air operations. Mindful of this imperative, the Nigerian Air Force is continually working to emplace the necessary logistical framework to ensure that air operations are sustained for the enhancement of Nigeria’s national security.
In furtherance of this objective, the NAF today, 30 September 2020, commissioned a newly reactivated Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) facility at 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), Port Harcourt.
The BFI, with a capacity of 340,000 litres of aviation fuel, was expanded and modernised by the NAF Investments Limited (NAFIL), in partnership with Skymaster Achievers International Services Limited.
While commissioning the BFI, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented by the Group Managing Director, NAF Holding Company (NAFHC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Bagare, stated that the reactivation of the BFI would contribute immensely to assuring uninterrupted availability of aviation fuel in support of NAF operations.
He stated further that the increase in the capacity of the BFI would equally accommodate the fuel requirements for the special mission aircraft that would be deployed for the monitoring of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone. “I have been briefed of the very high standards and specifications employed in the execution of this project and want to assure you that the NAF would, to this end, definitely patronize this BFI. Let me congratulate the management and staff of NAFIL for yet another giant stride. I am equally impressed with your achievements in your other projects in other Units across the country”, the CAS said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Managing Director (MD), NAFIL, Air Commodore Uchechi Nwagwu, noted that the BFI is one of NAFIL’s efforts at diversifying its portfolios and enhancing its turnover while contributing its quota towards supporting operations of the NAF by ensuring timely availability of aviation fuel.
He noted that the BFI can now meet accepted industry standards and undoubtedly compete with any facility of its type within the country.
The MD disclosed that, apart from the installation’s increased capacity of 340,000 litres of aviation fuel, products would also be available in the BFI’s bowsers and trailers, that would be used to bridge across diverse locations. He also revealed that the BFI would not only be available for use by the NAF but also to aviation operators whose activities are around the Port Harcourt Military Aerodrome.
He appreciated the keen interest and enthusiasm of the management and staff of Skymaster Achievers International Services Ltd and the valuable support of the Director of Logistics, Headquarters NAF, AVM Ademola Durotoye, as well as the Commander 115 SOG, Group Captain Dooyum Laha, towards the accomplishment of the project.
Also present at the event were the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, AVM Olusegun Philip, and the Director of Policy Headquarters NAF, AVM Idi Lubo, as well as other senior military officers.