The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force is critical to strengthening security in Rivers State and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Governor stated this on Thursday August 27, 2026, during the commissioning of the rehabilitated runway at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt.
Fubara described the project as a “statement of intent” demonstrating the commitment of the Rivers State Government to supporting the Armed Forces in tackling national security challenges.
“It is a great pleasure and a distinct honour to be here today at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, for the commissioning of this rehabilitated runway. What we commission this day is more than concrete and asphalt. It is a statement of intent — a declaration that Rivers State stands firmly with those who stand guard over Nigeria,” he said.
Fubara said the government and people of Rivers State were proud to be associated with the intervention, describing the Nigerian Air Force as one of the institutions upon which Nigeria’s unity rests.
“We recognise the Nigerian Air Force as one of the pillars upon which our nationhood rests — an institution whose men and women continue to make enormous sacrifices in defence of our territorial integrity, in the protection of our critical national assets, and in the pursuit of peace and stability across the length and breadth of this country,” Fubara stated.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing leadership aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
The Governor stressed that national security remained the foundation for economic growth and development.
“As Commander-in-Chief, Mr. President has remained firm in his commitment to equipping and repositioning our security institutions, in the clear understanding that national security is not merely one item on the list of national priorities — it is the foundation upon which every other item rests. There can be no thriving economy without security,” he said.
According to Fubara, the strategic importance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry makes the security of the state inseparable from the security of the country.
“Rivers State occupies a strategic position in the economic life of this nation. As the heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, our communities, our waterways, our industries and our infrastructure carry a burden of national significance. The security of Rivers State is therefore inseparable from the security of Nigeria itself,” Fubara said.
He explained that supporting security agencies was part of the responsibility of a responsible state government, adding that the runway rehabilitation was driven by that commitment.
“That is the spirit in which this runway was rehabilitated. It is a demonstration of our administration’s conviction that meaningful progress is built on genuine collaboration between the Federal Government and the sub-national governments. Security is a collective responsibility,” he stated.
The Governor said the rehabilitated runway would provide immediate operational benefits to the Nigerian Air Force in the South-South region.
“The benefits of this facility are practical and immediate. It will enhance the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt. It will improve the efficiency and the safety of aerial operations.
It will strengthen rapid-response capacity in those moments when time itself is the difference between order and disorder,” he said.
Fubara added that the facility would support the Federal Government’s efforts to combat economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, particularly crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism.
He also highlighted the strong relationship between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the partnership extended beyond infrastructure to personnel welfare.
“Today’s ceremony is also a reflection of the excellent working relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Air Force.
Beyond this runway, our administration has continued to provide support directed at improving operational effectiveness and at advancing the welfare of the gallant officers and personnel who serve here,” the Governor said.
Fubara commended the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, as well as everyone involved in the rehabilitation of the facility.
“As this rehabilitated runway is commissioned today, we renew our pledge of partnership, of patriotism, and of service to our dear nation. May this facility stand as an enduring symbol of cooperation, of strength, and of our shared commitment to the peace and prosperity of Rivers State and of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who performed the ceremonial commissioning rituals, commended the Rivers State Government for the successful completion of the project.
Aneke described the runway as an eloquent testimony to the robust collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and the Rivers State Government in the security sector.
He said the facility would enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in Rivers State.
The Chief of the Air Staff further described the rehabilitation as timely and critical to ongoing air operations, training and disaster response missions across the South-South region.
