By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In a significant move to advance Nigeria’s technological self-reliance and defence capabilities, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in indigenous research, development, and innovation.
The agreement was formalized during a visit by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the renewed MoU builds on the foundations of an existing partnership and introduces structured frameworks to foster innovation in aerospace engineering, defence manufacturing, and scientific research.
During the meeting, Air Marshal Abubakar commended NASENI’s transformation under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, describing the agency as “a beacon of hope for technological advancement in Nigeria.”
He emphasized the importance of technological self-sufficiency for national security, stating: “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.”
The CAS also highlighted key outcomes from the ongoing collaboration, notably NASENI’s involvement in the development of the indigenous C-5 Rocket.
“NASENI has successfully conducted material analysis for the rocket and is set to begin local manufacturing of certain components — a milestone achievement that demonstrates the value of our partnership.”
Additionally, he pointed to the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna as a model for collaborative progress. Air Marshal Abubakar proposed that NASENI consider co-ownership of the C-5 Rocket Project to further cement the synergy.
The renewed agreement introduces refined provisions that will guide future cooperation, covering areas such as: Joint research and development, Human capacity building, Local production of aerospace part; and Strategic co-development of defence and dual-use technologies.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with the Presidential priorities on innovation, defence self-reliance, and indigenous capacity building under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Air Marshal Abubakar added.
In his remarks, NASENI boss Khalil Halilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the partnership, stating: “We are not just ready, we are prepared to co-develop technologies that will support NAF’s operations and industrial goals. Together, we can move from importation to innovation, and from consumption to creation.”
He described the MoU as a symbol of Nigeria’s determination to harness science, engineering, and innovation to drive national strength, economic growth, and long-term security.
