By Cyril Ogar
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have 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 Abubakar, to the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) diclose this in a press statement signed by Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information NASENI, made available to Aljazirah Nigeria in Abuja at the weekend.
The visit according to the statement 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,” he said.
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 stated.
Responding, NASENI EVC/CEO Mr. Khalil Suleman Halilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the long-standing collaboration with the Air Force, describing it as both professional and personal.
“Our partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is one of our smoothest and most productive,” he said. “We’ve achieved so much together — from reverse-engineering projects to shared innovation hubs — and we are just getting started.”
Mr. Halilu showcased NASENI’s progress in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programs, and its world-class CNC machining infrastructure, inviting the Air Force to take advantage of all available resources and facilities.
He emphasized NASENI’s culture of private sector collaboration as a model for cost-effective implementation while maintaining inclusive access for public institutions such as the Air Force.
Highlighting the signing of the new MoU, Mr. Halilu said the updated agreement is designed to be more structured, result-driven, and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It focuses on joint R&D, local manufacturing of aerospace and defense components, human capital development, and knowledge exchange.
“This partnership goes beyond paperwork,” Mr. Halilu noted. “It’s about building the future of Nigeria’s defense and innovation ecosystem together.”
The formal signing of the renewed MoU marked a new chapter in the strategic relationship between both institutions, setting the stage for the activation of joint action plans on the C5 Rocket Project, CNC training, defense manufacturing, and other innovation-driven initiatives.
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.
