NAF, NASENI Bolster Partnership for Indigenous Defence, Aerospace Innovation
In a significant move to advance Nigeria’s technological independence and bolster its defence capabilities, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) today, July 25, 2025, signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement aims to expand indigenous research, development, and innovation in the defence and aerospace sectors.
This was disclosed in a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Spokesperson.
The signing ceremony took place at NASENI’s headquarters in Abuja, during a visit by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, to the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
The visit underscored the ongoing collaboration between the two organizations and set the stage for deeper synergy in aerospace, engineering, and technology development.
Air Marshal Abubakar praised NASENI’s leadership and its transformation under Mr. Halilu, calling the agency “a beacon of hope for technological advancement in Nigeria.” He emphasized the critical role of technological self-reliance for a strong and responsive Air Force, stressing the importance of close cooperation to advance mutual interests in research, innovation, and national security.
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The CAS highlighted the tangible successes of their existing partnership, including NASENI’s crucial support in developing the Nigerian-made C-5 aircraft rocket. “NASENI has successfully conducted material analysis and is set to manufacture some parts, an achievement that underscores the value of our collaboration,” he noted.
Another testament to their joint progress is the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna. Air Marshal Abubakar also extended an invitation for NASENI to become a co-owner of the C-5 Rocket Project, further solidifying their shared commitment.
The renewed MoU introduces “more refined provisions that will ensure seamless, structured, and result-driven cooperation,” according to Air Marshal Abubakar. The agreement encompasses joint research and development, human capacity building, local production of aerospace parts, and strategic co-development of defence technologies. He affirmed that this partnership aligns perfectly with the Presidential priority on innovation, defence self-reliance, and indigenous capacity development, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
From Importation to Innovation
In response, Mr. Khalil Halilu, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, reaffirmed the agency’s full commitment. “We are not just ready, we are prepared to co-develop technologies that will support NAF’s operations and industrial capacity,” he stated. “Together, we can move from importation to innovation, and from consumption to creation.”
This renewed partnership marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of technological sovereignty in defence, demonstrating a strong commitment from both institutions to leverage science, engineering, and innovation as drivers of national strength and socio-economic growth.
By PRNigeria
