The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) has underscored the vital role of data-driven evaluation processes in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), describing it as “a critical tool for precision” in modern military assessment.
Speaking yesterday during the opening ceremony of a specialized workshop for NAF evaluators at the Air Force Headquarters in Abuja, the CAS emphasized that empirical assessment methodologies are now indispensable for strategic decision-making in contemporary warfare and defense operations.
“In today’s complex security environment, our ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately determines our effectiveness in responding to emerging threats,” the Air Chief told participants at the three-day workshop themed “Strengthening Military Capability Through Evidence-Based Evaluation.”
The CAS further stressed that evaluation processes must evolve beyond traditional methods to incorporate advanced analytics that provide actionable intelligence and measurable outcomes. “We cannot rely on intuition alone when national security is at stake. Our evaluators must embrace scientific approaches that eliminate subjectivity and provide reliable frameworks for assessment,” he added.
According to Air Commodore Ibrahim Danladi, Director of Operations Analysis, the workshop aims to equip NAF evaluators with cutting-edge skills in performance metrics design, data visualization, and statistical analysis relevant to military operations.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to building a knowledge-based air force capable of meeting contemporary security challenges through professional excellence,” Danladi told a source on the sidelines of the event.
Military analyst Professor Chukwuemeka Okonkwo commended the initiative, noting that data-driven evaluation has become standard practice among leading air forces globally. “By emphasizing empirical assessment, the NAF is aligning with international best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique security challenges,” he observed.
The workshop brought together over fifty evaluation officers from various NAF commands and units across the country, with sessions covering advanced topics in operational research, performance measurement, and evidence-based decision-making frameworks.
This development comes as part of broader efforts to enhance NAF’s operational capabilities through technological innovation and professional development programs for personnel.
The three-day program will conclude with practical exercises designed to test participants’ ability to apply data-driven methodologies in simulated operational scenarios relevant to NAF’s current engagement across various theaters.
