The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a 100 percent increase in ration cash allowance for its personnel, as part of a broader effort to improve the welfare and living conditions of troops nationwide.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made the announcement on Monday during the commissioning of new accommodation facilities at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Lagos. He said the increment, already captured in the 2025 budget, is a proactive step to cushion the impact of rising living costs on NAF personnel.
“In the meantime, a 100 percent increment in the Ration Cash Allowance for 2025 has already been established as a proactive measure to support personnel amid rising living costs,” Abubakar stated.
In addition to the allowance hike, the NAF has introduced a new Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy, which includes substantial payouts for bodily injuries, permanent or temporary disabilities, deaths, and medical expenses. So far, 23 beneficiaries — including 9 recent cases — have received payments under the policy.
The Air Chief revealed that the service has initiated engagements with the Defence Headquarters to review the Armed Forces Manual of Financial Administration, aimed at further improving personnel welfare.
Abubakar also disclosed that the NAF has undertaken large-scale distribution of new uniforms and accoutrements, with a goal of achieving 100 percent coverage within two weeks. He added that there has been an upward review of the monthly electricity subsidy at the Sam Ethnan Base.
Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of NAF personnel, Abubakar noted that the service is executing more than 470 infrastructural projects across the country, including residential buildings, operational facilities, medical centres, sporting complexes, and places of worship.
“So far, 295 of these projects — representing 63 percent — have been completed, while 175 are ongoing,” he said, adding that over ₦61 billion has been invested in these nationwide efforts.
These initiatives, the CAS explained, are in line with his command philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of personnel as essential to operational effectiveness and national security.
