The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to protect critical national assets across the country. He made this assertion during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Cargo Airport in Kainji, Niger State, on September 10, 2024.

The Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, centered around the new airport, is poised to become a major industrial hub, designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure and aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution concept. Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the project would contribute to Nigeria’s industrialization, create employment opportunities, and drive sustainable development for future generations.

During his address, the CAS emphasized the link between development and security, stating that military efforts alone cannot eliminate insurgency. “True and lasting peace is achieved through development initiatives like the Hydropolis Project,” he said. He further highlighted that by generating jobs, especially for the youth, the project could reduce insecurity in Niger State by preventing them from being drawn into criminal activities.

Air Marshal Abubakar praised the longstanding relationship between NAF and Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), which has supported NAF’s operations at the Kainji Air Base through various corporate social responsibility projects. In return, NAF has provided air support for securing key national infrastructure, including the Kainji, Jebba, and Zungeru hydroelectric power stations.

Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd), Chairman of MESL, expressed gratitude to the CAS for presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring the mutual benefits of the partnership. He spoke about MESL’s latest venture, Hydropolis Investments Ltd., which will promote development within the 2,000-hectare Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, dedicated to manufacturing, real estate, tourism, and other industries.

Before the event, Air Marshal Abubakar paid a visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro IV, to express appreciation for the kingdom’s support of NAF’s 407 Air Combat Training Group (ACTG), which plays a key role in training fighter pilots. The visit also marked the 40-year partnership between NAF and the Borgu Kingdom.

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited was established in 2011 and operates the Kainji and Jebba hydroelectric power plants, which it acquired through a concession agreement with the federal government in 2013.