Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the government is handing over Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strategically contribute to efforts to boost national security operations, enhance aerial surveillance and emergency response capabilities while increasing crude oil production to upscale revenue for development purposes.

The Governor said that the handover, which took place at the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Wednesday, reinforces the commitment of his administration to safeguard national economic assets by improving performance, efficiency and adaptability of personnel to difficult terrains in the State.

Governor Fubara explained that as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that critical national assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria, domiciled in the Niger Delta are protected and secured to enhance increased oil production, it was incumbent on him to implement measures to achieve success.

He said: “And, as part of our responsibility, we are required to provide basic support in the form of logistics for effective operation, not just for the Air Force but including the Army, Navy, Police, NSCDC and the Directorate of State Security Services.

“Knowing fully well that we are saddled with this responsibility, we were confronted with this request that, having left our Augusta Westland AW139 Helicopter here for so many years, to donate it to the Air Force for optimum utilisation.”

Governor Fubara stated that the helicopter, owned by the Rivers State Government, had been out of operation because the contractor (Aero) the government gave it to use for commercial purposes refused to remit agreed revenue.

He said, “So, there was a problem between Aero Contractor and the previous administration where this helicopter was forcefully retrieved from them. Since then, it has been abandoned here at the Air Force Base.

“When we received the request from the Chief of the Air Staff that they are interested, if we will be willing to donate it, for security operations, we didn’t hesitate. We brought it before the State Executive Council, we deliberated on it, and agreed that the success of the operations of the Air Force in securing critical assets is paramount to us, and serves the interest of the State.”

Governor Fubara pointed to immense benefits an increased production level of crude oil will have on the general economic wellbeing of Nigeria, and specifically, Rivers State.

The consideration, he said, was therefore, not frightful to make because the course for which it was being donated is worthwhile, and shows unalloyed support to President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government policy to achieve improved revenue to address critical development challenges.

He added, “And, what we are doing today is a demonstration of our commitment. This is not politics. This is a sincere commitment to support the operations, and the success of Nigeria. We did not request for anything. Our only request is that this donation should be adequately and effectively used to secure lives, national assets and major operations in Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large.”

Governor Fubara also said: “So, we are doing this today, officially handing over this asset of Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Air Force, and we are doing it in the open, not in the secret. We are doing it here to let the world know that we are not exchanging it for anything. It is purely a support for the success of this country.

“We are happy that this is happening in our own time. We are happy that the records and history will have it that our administration paid serious attention to security of lives and property of our people in our time.”

Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his commitment and noble request in that regard, and explained other areas that the State Government has continued to provide support like resurfacing the runway of the Air Force Base, and housing facility, which affirms the robust partnership that exists.

The Governor stated: “We will continue to do everything within our power to complement what the Federal Government is doing. What the President is doing is to ensure that lives and property of our people are safe, critical national assets are secured, oil production level is increased. We are not going back on it. We will continue to support that course.”

Formally receiving the helicopter, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar said the generous handover of the Agusta Westland 139 Helicopter by the Rivers State Government to the Air Force exemplifies the collaborative approach that is needed to strengthen national security.

He stated that such gesture will ensure a more responsive, agile, and capable force to address contemporary security challenges, especially because the security landscape in Nigeria demands dynamic and proactive measures to counter the evolving threats posed by non-state actors.

He added, “The AW139 Helicopter will significantly enhance our operational capacity, particularly in tactical airlift, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts. With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, this platform will improve our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.

“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians. The operational effectiveness of any air asset depends not only on its acquisition but also on the availability of well-trained personnel and a robust maintenance support system.

“I am pleased to announce that the Nigerian Air Force has already commenced comprehensive training programmes for our pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilization of this helicopter. Furthermore, we are strengthening our maintenance infrastructure to guarantee the sustainability and serviceability of this asset in the long run.”

In his address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshall E.O.E. Ebiowei, said the Nigerian Air Force, is delighted to formally receive the donation of the AW139 Helicopter from the Rivers State Government, and stressed that the donation forms part of ongoing collaboration that has continued to enhance the operational capabilities of the Air Force that also includes the provision of suitable accommodation and facilitation of effective air operations from the Port Harcourt Base.

Air Vice Marshall Ebiowei said: “As we formally take delivery of this critical asset, I wish to reassure the Chief of the Air Staff and our strategic partners of our unwavering commitment to operational excellence. We will continue to leverage advance training, stringent safety measures and innovative approaches to maximize the effectiveness of this platform to fulfilling national security objectives.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo signed the hand over document onbehalf of the Rivers State Government while Director of Works, Air Commodore Haliru Badamasi signed on behalf of the Chief of Logistics, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.

After the signing, Badamasi handed over the document to the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, who handed it over to the Chief of Training and Operations, who finally handed it over to the Chief of the Air Staff during the ceremony.