- Nigeria Needs Attack Helicopters Urgently – Tinubu
- Specifically appealed to Airbus to facilitate quicker delivery of the three Apache helicopters already ordered
- Raised the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to strengthen local participation in the aviation value chain
President Bola Tinubu has called for the accelerated delivery of attack helicopters already ordered by Nigeria while backing plans by Airbus to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the President said Nigeria urgently requires modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to strengthen ongoing military operations against terrorism and insecurity across the country.
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Tinubu made the call during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu stressed that strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture remains a major priority of his administration.
“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President stated.
He specifically appealed to Airbus to facilitate quicker delivery of the three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria to support ongoing counterterrorism operations.
Beyond military needs, Tinubu also welcomed Airbus’ proposal to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, describing the initiative as a strategic opportunity capable of transforming the country into a regional aviation and aerospace services hub.
Discussions at the meeting also covered Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform as well as broader defence aviation cooperation, including aircraft leasing and financing arrangements.
The talks reportedly explored export credit systems, sale-and-lease-back agreements and long-term aviation financing models aimed at improving access to aircraft for Nigerian operators.
Tinubu further raised the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to strengthen local participation in the aviation value chain and improve financing opportunities for domestic operators.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Airbus in military aviation, aerospace technology and infrastructure development.
Speaking during the meeting, Cloutet praised the administration’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation industry, while reaffirming Airbus’ commitment to supporting the country’s long-term aerospace ambitions.
He proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” partnership framework covering commercial aviation, military cooperation, maintenance infrastructure, operational hubs, sustainability initiatives, human capital development and satellite technology collaboration.
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