NAF Doubles Personnel Ration Allowance, Unveils Housing Projects in Lagos
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a 100 percent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) as part of its 2025 budgetary provisions.
The announcement was made by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during the commissioning of a newly remodelled 160-ensuite airmen’s accommodation at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Lagos on Saturday.
PRNigeria reports that the RCA increment is part of a broader package of transformative initiatives rolled out by the NAF to address rising living costs and improve the quality of life for its personnel.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed this in a statement yesterday said other key measures include new insurance policies, enhanced healthcare, upgraded infrastructure, and the nationwide distribution of uniforms and operational gear.
Air Marshal Abubakar, while speaking at the commissioning ceremony, emphasised that personnel welfare remains a core pillar of his leadership philosophy.
“The 100 percent increase in Ration Cash Allowance is a proactive step to cushion the effects of inflation and rising food costs. It reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our men and women in uniform,” he said.
The newly commissioned 160-ensuite flats at the Lagos base are part of a larger infrastructure push by the service. The CAS disclosed that over 470 welfare-related projects are currently underway across the country, with 295 already completed. These projects include residential buildings, operational facilities, sporting complexes, medical centres, and worship spaces, with over ₦61 billion invested to date.
Read Also:
According to the CAS, “This investment in infrastructure is not just about buildings, but about building morale, cohesion, and combat readiness. Adequate housing for our personnel is essential for maintaining focus, discipline, and operational effectiveness.”
The welfare overhaul also includes the introduction of a Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy, which provides compensation for injury, disability, death, and medical expenses. Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that 23 personnel have already benefited from payouts under the new policy, including nine recent cases.
Further underlining the NAF’s focus on holistic well-being, the CAS announced the procurement of new medical equipment for the 661 NAF Hospital in Ikeja and an upward review of the monthly electricity subsidy for the Sam Ethnan Base. “We are also distributing new uniforms and accoutrements, with a target of 100 percent coverage within two weeks,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, commended the CAS for his leadership and dedication to welfare reforms. He noted that the provision of modern housing and essential amenities would not only boost morale but significantly enhance operational performance.
“Leadership with empathy makes a difference. The CAS has shown us that the welfare of personnel is not an afterthought but a strategic priority,” the AOC said.
With inflation and cost-of-living pressures continuing to challenge service members across the country, the NAF’s renewed focus on personnel welfare is seen as a timely and commendable intervention. Analysts say such initiatives are crucial for building a resilient, professional, and combat-ready air force in the face of complex national security threats.
By PRNigeria
