- As Tinubu Seeks Faster Delivery of Attack Helicopters
By Paul Joseph
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by global aircraft manufacturer Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, describing the initiative as a significant boost to the country’s ambition of becoming a regional aviation and aerospace services hub.
The President also stressed the urgent need for modern military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to strengthen Nigeria’s security operations and address persistent insecurity across various parts of the country.
Tinubu made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President stated that his administration was committed to deepening ties with Airbus by leveraging the company’s expertise in military aircraft and aerospace development.
Tinubu specifically called for the accelerated delivery of three Apache attack helicopters already ordered by Nigeria, noting that these aircraft are urgently needed to enhance ongoing counterterrorism and security operations nationwide.
“Nigeria urgently needs attack helicopters that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President said.
The discussions also focused on Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 platform, broader defence aviation cooperation, and new aircraft leasing and financing models aimed at improving access to aircraft for domestic operators.
Areas explored included export credit arrangements, sale-and-lease-back structures, and long-term financing solutions designed to alleviate financial constraints in the aviation sector.
President Tinubu further discussed the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to unlock opportunities across the aviation value chain and improve financing access for local airlines and operators.
Cloutet, in his remarks, commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation industry. He reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting the country’s long-term aerospace development plans.
The Airbus executive also proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria, covering commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, maintenance infrastructure, and operational hubs.
According to him, the proposed partnership would also extend to satellite technology and Earth observation collaboration as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sectors.
Leave a Reply