In a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s technological sovereignty and defence capacity, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), today, 25th July, 2025 signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding indigenous research, development, and innovation.
The signing took place 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, at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit served as both a reaffirmation of ongoing collaboration and a launchpad for broader institutional synergy in aerospace, engineering, and technology development.
Speaking during the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar commended NASENI for its forward-thinking leadership, noting that the Agency’s transformation under Mr Halilu has positioned it as “a beacon of hope for technological advancement in Nigeria.
We recognise that technological self-reliance is the bedrock of a strong and responsive Air Force,” the CAS stated. “It is therefore important that both institutions work closely together to advance our mutual interests in research, innovation, and national security.”
The CAS highlighted key achievements of the partnership so far, including NASENI’s contribution to the ongoing development of the Nigerian-made C-5 aircraft rocket. “I am particularly pleased to highlight NASENI’s commendable role in the rocket project.
The Agency has successfully conducted material analysis and is set to manufacture some parts, an achievement that underscores the value of our collaboration,” he said.
He also noted the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub located at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, describing it as “a clear example of joint progress.” Air Marshal Abubakar also used the occasion to highlight other strategic areas of concern which were extensively deliberated on.
“In the spirit of national interest, we invite NASENI to consider becoming co-owners of the C-5 Rocket Project,” he said.
Commenting on the significance of the new MoU, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that it introduces “more refined provisions that will ensure seamless, structured, and result-driven cooperation.”
According to him, the MoU covers joint research and development, human capacity building, local production of aerospace parts, and strategic co-development of defence technologies.
“This renewed partnership aligns perfectly with the Presidential priority on innovation, defence self-reliance, and indigenous capacity development, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
In his response, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Khalil Halilu, expressed the Agency’s full commitment to the renewed partnership. “We are not just ready, we are prepared to co-develop technologies that will support NAF’s operations and industrial capacity,” he said.
“Together, we can move from importation to innovation, and from consumption to creation.” The visit marks a milestone in Nigeria’s quest for technological sovereignty in defence and a bold commitment by both institutions to harness science, engineering, and innovation as enablers of national strength and socio-economic growth.
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