NAF, MESL Strengthen Partnership To Safeguard Critical National Assets

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its commitment to strengthen ties with Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) to safeguard critical national assets.

The chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, stated this on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Cargo Airport Kainji, Niger State.
In a statement by the deputy director of Public Relations and Information, the CAS, Group Captain Kabiru Ali said the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, anchored by the Airport Project, will serve as a hub for opportunity, job creation, and sustainable development for future generations.

He said the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone is designed to be a state-of-the-art industrial park, implemented in accordance with the Fourth Industrial Revolution concept, with a smart city aimed at promoting Nigeria’s industrialisation.

The CAS emphasised the intrinsic connection between development and security, stressing that, no matter how decisive, kinetic military actions alone cannot fully eradicate insurgency.

He highlighted that true and lasting peace is achieved through good governance and development initiatives, like the Hydropolis Project.

He reiterated that the project has the potential to significantly reduce insecurity in Niger State by creating job opportunities for youths who might otherwise be drawn into banditry or other criminal activities.

“Large-scale infrastructure projects like this are crucial not only for economic growth but also for fostering communities where opportunities flourish, thereby reducing the discontent that often fuels insecurity,” he added.

While commenting on the longstanding relationship between the NAF and MESL, the CAS noted that MESL has magnanimously supported the NAF Base in Kainji by carrying out several corporate social responsibility projects.

Similarly, the NAF has frequently conducted independent missions to provide air patrols and reconnaissance to secure Kainji, Jebba and Zungeru Hydro Electric Power Stations, which are operated by mainstream.

The CAS noted further that the NAF has continually provided air support to ground troops during clearance operations against criminal elements within Kainji Lake Forest Reserve, thereby ensuring that citizens can go about their lawful endeavours without threats to their lives or properties.

Earlier, the chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd) thanked the CAS for accepting to chair the ground-breaking ceremony for the Hydropolis Cargo Airport, which he noted was premised on the cordial relationship that has continued to exist between the NAF and his company.

He said the relationship has been a win-win for both organisations. While the NAF has continued to assist MESL with access to its airfield facilities, MESL has also undertaken some humanitarian projects at NAF Base, Kainji.

The chairman also spoke about the company’s new pet project, the Hydropolis Investments Ltd, a special purpose vehicle midwifed to promote the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone on approximately 2,000 hectares on the eastern bank of Kainji Lake.

The land, according to the chairman, was acquired through the Niger State government to create the best enabling environment for manufacturing, real estate, tourism, mining, education, health, airport and above all, smart infrastructure and facilities that will ensure the success of the project.

On arrival at Kainji, the CAS stopped at the emir of Borgu’s palace, where he paid homage to HRH Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro IV. There, the CAS expressed his gratitude to the emir and the people of the Borgu Kingdom for their unwavering support as hosts of the 407 Air Combat Training Group (ACTG). He noted that this unit plays a critical role in the advanced training of NAF fighter pilots, preparing them for operational missions.

The CAS commemorated the 40-year partnership between the NAF and the Borgu Kingdom, which began in 1984 with the relocation of the 99 Air Weapons School (now 407 ACTG) to Kainji. In his response, HRM Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro expressed his appreciation to the CAS for the visit. He lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its dedicated efforts in fulfilling its constitutional duties. He remarked that these efforts have contributed significantly to the relative peace in his kingdom.

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited was incorporated and licensed as a power-generating company in 2011. In November 2013, MESL acquired the Kainji and Jebba Hydro Plants (HPP) with a total installed capacity of 1338.4 MW through a concession agreement with the federal government. The two hydro plants are cascaded 100km apart, with the Kainji dam situated on the upstream Jebba.