President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed approval of Airbus, a global aircraft manufacturer, proposing to set up maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, as part of a larger initiative to establish the nation as a regional center for aerospace and aviation services.
President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s pressing requirement for advanced helicopters and fixed-wing planes that can assist with security missions, logistics, and national development goals, as part of his administration’s initiative to resolve persistent security issues in certain regions of the country.
The President addressed attendees on Thursday during a meeting with an Airbus delegation, headed by Thierry Cloutet, who is in charge of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, on the margins of the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.
He informed the delegation that his administration is committed to enhancing the friendly relationship between both sides, utilizing the company’s competitive edge in military aircraft and aerospace technology.
The President urged for the quick delivery of the three Apache helicopters that Nigeria has already ordered, to aid current security and counterterrorism efforts, highlighting his administration’s commitment to utilizing all available resources against terrorists throughout the country.
“Nigeria urgently requires attack helicopters that can be employed to counter and overpower terrorists. That is my current focus,” President Tinubu stated.
The discussion also covered Nigeria’s purchase of the Airbus C-295 aircraft, expanded defense aviation collaboration, and various aircraft leasing and financial models such as export credit agreements, sale-and-lease-back deals, and long-term financing options designed to enhance airlines’ access to aircraft and ease financial challenges in the sector.
To enhance the current ties between the company and Nigeria, President Tinubu also engaged with the Airbus team to explore the creation of an aviation leasing firm, aiming to generate value within Nigeria’s aviation sector and increase financial support for local operators.
Cloutet praised President Tinubu’s economic initiatives and the measures taken to bring stability to Nigeria’s aviation industry. He reiterated the company’s commitment to assisting the nation’s sustained aerospace development goals.
In backing the administration’s initiative to upgrade the country’s Aviation industry, Cloutet introduced what he termed a “360-degree engagement” approach with Nigeria.
According to Cloutet, the collaboration will encompass commercial aviation, joint efforts in military aircraft, development of human resources, sustainability projects, operational centers, and maintenance facilities.
It will also involve working together on satellites and Earth monitoring.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
