*The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and Nigerian Air Force renew a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration on indigenous tech development in defence, aerospace and infrastructure

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on indigenous technology development, particularly in defence, aerospace, and infrastructure.

The event, which held Friday, July 25, 2025, at the NASENI Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT, was marked by a high-level visit, led by the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, alongside Senior Officers from the Nigerian Airforce.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, and his Management team received the visiting team.

In his keynote remarks, the Air Marshal commended NASENI for its transformative work under Mr. Halilu鈥檚 leadership, particularly in reverse engineering, local manufacturing of engineering components, and consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force.

He specifically acknowledged NASENI鈥檚 contribution to the development of the C5 Rocket Project, highlighting the agency鈥檚 role in producing the rocket bodies and structural components, and in conducting precision material analysis.

Abubakar also applauded the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub located at the Air Force Institute of Technology, in Kaduna.

The Chief of Air Staff described the development as a landmark project made possible through land support by NAF.

The Air Marshal further noted that, Airforce is seeking greater inclusion in the governance and execution of the hub, given its role as host and technical contributor, also proposing that NASENI formally co-own the C5 Rocket Project, while urging the agency to continue leading the production of rocket body structures while exploring cost optimisations.

Furthermore, he invited NASENI to enroll its young researchers in newly developed R&D training modules at its Research and Development Institute.

According to NASENI, the request extends to a new area of partnership 鈥� capacity building in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining for Air Force technical personnel at the agency’s Centre of Excellence.

Responding, Mr. Halilu reaffirmed the NASENI鈥檚 commitment to the long-standing collaboration with the Air Force, describing it as both professional and personal.

Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information at NASENI, quoted the EVC/CEO to have said: 鈥淥ur partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is one of our smoothest and most productive.

鈥淲e鈥檝e achieved so much together 鈥� from reverse-engineering projects to shared innovation hubs 鈥� and we are just getting started.鈥�

Halilu also showcased NASENI鈥檚 progress in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programnes, and its world-class CNC machining infrastructure, inviting the Air Force to take advantage of all available resources and facilities.

The NASENI Executive Vice-Chairman emphasised the agency’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, Halilu said the updated agreement is designed to be more structured, result-driven, and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda.

It focuses on joint R&D, local manufacturing of aerospace and defense components, human capital development, and knowledge exchange.

He equally stated: 鈥淭his partnership goes beyond paperwork.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about building the future of Nigeria鈥檚 defense and innovation ecosystem together.鈥�

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.

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