ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has called for the urgent delivery of attack helicopters and other military aircraft to strengthen Nigeria’s security operations, even as he welcomed a proposal by aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in the country.
Tinubu made the appeal during a meeting with a delegation from Airbus led by Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, Thierry Cloutet, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.
According to a statement issued on Saturday night by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President stressed that Nigeria urgently requires modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support counterterrorism operations and broader national security efforts.
Tinubu specifically urged the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria, saying the platforms are critical to ongoing operations against terrorist groups across the country.
“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President was quoted as saying.
READ ALSO: 2027: Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Economy, Insecurity
He also noted that his administration is committed to deepening cooperation with Airbus, particularly in military aviation, aerospace development, and broader aviation support services, to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and transport capabilities.
Beyond military needs, discussions also covered wider aviation financing and development options, including aircraft leasing models, export credit arrangements, and long-term financing structures aimed at improving access to aircraft for domestic airlines and easing sector constraints.
Tinubu further explored the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria, designed to unlock value in the aviation sector and improve financing access for operators.
In response, Cloutet commended the administration’s economic and aviation reforms, noting that Airbus is willing to support Nigeria’s long-term aerospace development goals.
He also proposed a “360-degree engagement” framework that would cover commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, maintenance hubs, and operational infrastructure.
The engagement is also expected to extend into satellite technology and Earth observation collaboration, as part of broader efforts to expand Nigeria’s aerospace capacity and regional influence.