Poised by the need to contribute its quota to research and development in the country, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Lagos on Thursday showcased one of its projects aimed at promoting indigenous technology.
The project was displayed during the NAF Logistics Command’s Inter Units Research and Development Competition at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (ACMD), Sam Ethnan Base, Lagos.
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ekeh, who declared the competition open, said it was introduced in 2016, aimed at promoting indigenous technology for the NAF and the country at large.
Ekeh, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Logistics Command, Air Commodore Musbau Olatunji, said that “the introduction of the Research and Development Competition into the service in 2016 was part of strategy to promote the development of indigenous technology and capacity in support of NAF operations.”
The AOC explained that the competition, with the theme: “Enhancing Research and Development for Sustained Logistics Support in NAF”, was to encourage and reward deserving units and personnel for their efforts in research, development and innovation.
He added that the event, with eight products from five units under Logistics Command on display, had the Bio Digester, Design and Construction of FM Jammer and Electronic Patient Call Bell.
Others are modification of tyre breaker, construction of MIG-21 AC 65kg/100kg BOMB Suspension Lug Belt, as well as Design and Construction of Remote Controlled Solar Power Runway Edge Light.
While acknowledging the competing units for their innovations, resources and efforts toward developing the projects, Ekeh said that the motive behind the projects was to reduce technolgical dependency on foreign firms.
He added that “NAF has thus made giant strides in the area of research and development with a view to reducing technoiogical dependence on foreign firms, thereby saving cost and improving operational efficiency.
“As we are all aware, NAF is playing key roles in various operations in the country at present: to enhance operational effectiveness, we must continue to look inward to indigenous technologies.
“This is even more apt as the service looks forward to becoming self-reliant in training its personnel and maintaining its platforms.”
He thanked the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, for providing the enabling environment for the competition to hold, urging the examiners to remain objective and true to the guidelines of the competition.
The CAS said the competition was aimed at promoting indigenous technology to NAF and the country.
Represented by Director, Research and Development, Group Capt. Abdullahi Shinkafi, Abubakar said that apart from assessment, the competition was also aimed at exchanging ideas and giving feedback for improved projects.
He urged the personnel to take the competition seriously while translating the research projects into operational realities.
The five units that participated in the competition are 651 Base Service Group, 641 Communication Group, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, 633 Central Armament Depot and Direct Reporting Unit.
Highpoints of the event were the inspection of products on display by the CAS, AOC with other senior officers and award of prices to deserving participants.
