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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have officially renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in indigenous defense and aerospace technology development.
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The renewal was formalized during a high-level visit in Abuja, led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who was accompanied by senior NAF officers. They were received by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and his executive management team.
Strengthening Nigeria’s C5 Rocket and Defense Capabilities
Air Marshal Abubakar praised NASENI’s leadership for its achievements in reverse engineering, precision materials analysis, and local manufacturing—especially its pivotal role in the C5 Rocket Project, where NASENI provided rocket bodies and structural components.
He proposed joint ownership of the C5 Rocket Project, citing the Air Force’s host status and technical contributions. The Air Marshal also called for deeper integration of NAF in the governance of the NASENI Northwest Technology Innovation Hub, located at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna.
Capacity Building and CNC Training for NAF Personnel
Expanding on capacity development, the Chief of Air Staff invited NASENI to enroll young researchers into the Air Force’s R&D training modules. He also proposed enhanced collaboration in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining—a critical area for modern aerospace manufacturing—by tapping into NASENI’s Centre of Excellence.
Halilu: “We’re Building the Future of Nigeria’s Defense Ecosystem”
In his response, Mr. Halilu expressed confidence in the enduring collaboration between both institutions.
“Our partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is one of our smoothest and most productive,” he stated. “We’ve achieved significant results in innovation hubs, reverse engineering, and UAV development — and we’re just getting started.”
He showcased NASENI’s advancements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programs, and state-of-the-art CNC infrastructure. Mr. Halilu also emphasized NASENI’s open-door policy for public institutions and its public-private sector collaboration model for cost-effective innovation.
A Renewed MoU for Renewed Hope
The newly signed MoU sets a more structured and results-oriented agenda, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Focus areas include:
- Joint research and development
- Local production of aerospace and defense components
- Human capital development
- Knowledge exchange and innovation-led governance
Mr. Halilu affirmed that the partnership is not just symbolic but action-driven:
“This partnership goes beyond paperwork. It’s about building the future of Nigeria’s defense and innovation ecosystem together.”
