The 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 Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, and the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu signed the documents at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
A statement by the NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the visit served as both a reaffirmation of ongoing collaboration and a launch pad for broader institutional synergy in aerospace, engineering and technology development.
Air Marshal Abubakar in his remarks commended NASENI for its forward-thinking leadership, noting that the agency’s transformation under Mr Halilu had 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. 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.
In his response, NASENI’s, Mr Khalil Halilu, expressed the agency’s full commitment to the renewed partnership.
“We are not just ready, we are prepared to co-develop technologies that will support NAF’s operations and industrial capacity,” he said, “Together, we can move from importation to innovation, and from consumption to creation.” 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.
