by Bavoriat Clara
In a bold stride towards deepening Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence technology and innovation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have renewed their partnership to advance indigenous research, development, and innovation.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 25 July 2025 during a courtesy 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.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit was a reaffirmation of institutional synergy and a springboard for expanding cooperation in aerospace, engineering, and technology development.
Air Marshal Abubakar applauded NASENI’s transformational leadership under Mr Halilu, describing the Agency as “a beacon of hope for technological advancement in Nigeria.” He emphasized that technological self-reliance remains fundamental to a capable and resilient Air Force, and that sustained collaboration with NASENI is vital to Nigeria’s national security and innovation goals.
The CAS highlighted significant milestones already achieved through the partnership, notably NASENI’s pivotal role in the development of the indigenous C-5 aircraft rocket. He commended the Agency for successfully conducting material analysis and gearing up for component manufacturing, calling it a clear testament to the strength of their cooperation.
He further pointed to the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub, hosted at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, as a model of joint progress. Air Marshal Abubakar also proposed that NASENI consider co-ownership of the C-5 Rocket Project, a move he said would deepen shared responsibility and national pride in the innovation.
Speaking on the significance of the renewed MoU, Air Marshal Abubakar said the new agreement introduces more refined and strategic provisions for a structured, result-oriented partnership. These include joint research and development, local production of aerospace components, human capital development, and collaborative creation of defence technologies.
He added that the MoU is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places premium on innovation, defence self-reliance, and indigenous capacity building for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In his remarks, Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu reiterated NASENI’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force in achieving technological independence. “We are not just ready; we are prepared to co-develop technologies that will elevate NAF’s operational and industrial capabilities,” he stated. “It is time to shift from importation to innovation, and from consumption to creation.”
The renewed alliance marks a critical milestone in Nigeria’s quest for technological sovereignty in defence, showcasing a shared vision to harness science, engineering, and innovation as instruments of national power and socio-economic progress.
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