Nigeria is set to deepen its aviation and security capabilities as the government advances plans to host a maintenance and hangar hub for Airbus, while also fast-tracking the delivery of three Apache attack helicopters previously ordered from Boeing as part of broader counterterrorism efforts.
In a recent development, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed a proposal from global aircraft manufacturer Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in the country.
According to a statement issued by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the agreement followed a meeting on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, between the President and Airbus’ Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, Thierry Cloutet.
During the discussion, the President explained that Nigeria is in a dire security situation and urgently requires modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to combat insecurity in various parts of the country.
He followed up by requesting the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters previously ordered as part of the administration’s counterterrorism initiatives.
