Tinubu Pushes for Urgent Delivery of Attack Helicopters as Airbus Eyes Nigeria Aviation Hub

 By Kehinde Awosina 


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, describing the move as a major step toward positioning the country as a regional aviation and aerospace hub.


The President made this known during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.


During the discussions, President Tinubu stressed the urgent need for modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity. He specifically called for the speedy delivery of three Apache attack helicopters already ordered by the country.


“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President stated.


The meeting also focused on expanding defence aviation cooperation between Nigeria and Airbus, including the acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform, aircraft leasing arrangements, export credit financing, and long-term aviation investment models aimed at easing financial constraints faced by local airlines.


President Tinubu further explored the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to improve financing access for domestic operators and unlock opportunities within the nation’s aviation value chain.


Cloutet praised the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and ongoing efforts to stabilise the aviation sector, while reaffirming Airbus’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s long-term aerospace ambitions.


According to Airbus, the proposed “360-degree engagement” with Nigeria would cover commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, maintenance infrastructure, operational hubs, sustainability initiatives, human capital development, as well as satellite and Earth observation collaboration.


The discussions are seen as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector and strengthen national security capabilities.

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