 has announced a 100 percent increase in Ration Cash Allowance and major enhancements in its insurance coverage){kind=link}
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a 100 percent increase in Ration Cash Allowance and major enhancements in its insurance coverage under a newly introduced Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy to improve the welfare of its personnel.
These measures form part of the broader welfare reforms being implemented under the leadership of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
Air Marshal Abubakar made these announcements on Monday during the commissioning ceremony of newly constructed accommodation facilities at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Lagos.
He emphasized that the welfare of NAF personnel remains a cornerstone of his command philosophy, noting that the recently approved increments are already factored into the 2025 national budget.
“As a proactive response to the rising cost of living, a 100 percent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance for personnel has been instituted for 2025,” the Air Chief stated. This measure, he explained, is aimed at providing immediate financial relief to personnel and boosting their morale in the face of economic pressures.
Further addressing the welfare of troops, the CAS revealed that the NAF has been in active consultation with the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to revise the Armed Forces Manual of Financial Administration.
The objective of this engagement, he said, is to enhance the overall financial and welfare framework governing service members across the military.
The newly launched Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy has already started yielding tangible benefits. According to the Air Chief, 23 beneficiaries—including nine most recent ones—have received substantial compensation.
The policy covers a wide range of risks, including bodily injuries, temporary or permanent disability, medical expenses, death, and reimbursement of salaries during periods of hospitalization. This marks a notable improvement in the safety net available to personnel and their families.
Beyond financial incentives, the CAS also highlighted several infrastructural and logistical upgrades aimed at improving the standard of living for NAF personnel.
Notably, he announced that a large-scale distribution of new uniforms and accoutrements is underway, with full coverage for all personnel expected within two weeks. Additionally, he disclosed that the monthly electricity subsidy for personnel residing at Sam Ethnan Base has been increased to ease their cost burden.
“Infrastructure development is another key area of focus,” Abubakar said. “Over 470 projects are currently being executed nationwide, covering a wide range of needs including residential quarters, operational command facilities, healthcare centres, sports complexes, and places of worship.”
Out of these 470 projects, he explained, 295—representing 63 percent—have already been completed, while the remaining 175 are at various stages of completion. So far, over ₦61 billion has been invested in these efforts. These projects also include upgrades to critical utilities such as roads, water supply networks, and electrical infrastructure across various Air Force bases in the country.
Through these multifaceted efforts—ranging from financial incentives and insurance coverage to infrastructural improvements—the Nigerian Air Force is reinforcing its commitment to the welfare and operational readiness of its personnel under the dynamic leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.