The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Machine Tools Shop at the Tactical Air Command (TAC) in Makurdi was yesterday commissioned after reactivation and remodelling by a team of indigenous experts from the University of Maiduguri and personnel of 131 Engineering Group of the Air Force.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadiq Abubakar, who performed the ceremony of opening the workshop located at the Flight Line of NAF Base in Makurdi also inaugurated members of the Mechanists Training Course 1, 2017.
Abubakar said after 29 years of inactivity, the newly reactivated machine tools shop would enable the fabrication of aircraft parts and to permit effective and efficient repairs of NAF aircraft airframe.
He explained that the resolve to reactivate the tools workshop left moribund since 1978 was not only to demonstrate the NAF’s commitment to add value to the maintenance of facilities but in tandem with one of the key drivers of his vision, which is roust logistics support and maintenance culture to sustain platforms and equipment serviceability.
The Air Force chief added that the reactivation and remodeling of the workshop will increase self-sufficiency; reduce dependence on foreign organizations for maintenance of military hardware and save foreign exchange for the nation.
Abubakar intimated that a contract has been entered into with CATIC to recover and calibrate the F-7Ni aircraft test benches, including the transfer of skills for maintenance, repair and overhaul to further strengthen maintenance capability and proficiency in the use of all machines.
In his remark, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command of the NAF in Makurdi, AVM Muhammed Idris, said with the development, the force will preserve its spares, ensure quality shelf life of aircraft components and extensively reduce expenditure on replacement of failed spares.
