NAF Hails NASENI’s Breakthrough In Local Production Of Defence Components

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has lauded the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its remarkable strides in the local production of critical engineering components, particularly in support of defense innovation and national security.

This recognition came during the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions in Abuja.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who led a delegation of senior officers to the event, commended NASENI’s transformative contributions under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

Air Marshal Abubakar specifically highlighted NASENI’s role in the ongoing C5 Rocket Project, noting its fabrication of rocket bodies, structural components, and delivery of precision materials analysis as key milestones in Nigeria’s journey towards defense self-sufficiency.

He also praised the agency for establishing the NASENI Northwest Technology Innovation Hub at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, a landmark project he described as pivotal to indigenous technological development in the defense sector.

As part of efforts to expand the scope of collaboration, the Air Force Chief proposed a co-ownership framework for the C5 Rocket Project and urged greater NAF involvement in the governance of the Kaduna hub.

He also called for specialized R&D training opportunities for NASENI engineers at the Air Force’s Research and Development Institute, and CNC machining capacity building for NAF personnel at NASENI’s Centre of Excellence.

Responding, Mr. Halilu emphasized that the partnership with the Nigerian Air Force remains one of NASENI’s most productive.

He reiterated the agency’s openness to collaboration and showcased ongoing projects in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drone pilot training, asset recovery, and world-class CNC machining infrastructure.

“We have made significant progress, and this renewed partnership will allow us to scale even greater heights together,” he said.

Mr. Halilu also stressed the importance of aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the new MoU is structured to focus on outcomes, local content development, and sustainable technology transfer between both institutions.

“This partnership is about building a stronger, more self-reliant future for Nigeria’s defense and innovation systems,” he said.

The renewed MoU marks a new phase in the longstanding collaboration between NASENI and NAF, setting the foundation for accelerated implementation of joint initiatives including the C5 Rocket Project, CNC training, aerospace innovation, and other defense-manufacturing solutions.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji