Tinubu to Airbus: ‘Nigeria needs quick delivery of Apache helicopters’
President Bola Tinubu has urged Airbus to accelerate the delivery of attack helicopters ordered by Nigeria, saying the country urgently requires more air power to combat terrorism and insecurity.
The President also welcomed Airbus’ proposal to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, describing it as a strategic move to position Nigeria as a regional aviation and aerospace hub.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday 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.
“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President said while calling for the speedy delivery of the three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by a spokesperson to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, discussions at the meeting focused on expanding defence aviation cooperation and strengthening Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
Tinubu said his administration was committed to deepening collaboration with Airbus by leveraging the company’s expertise in military aircraft and aerospace development.
The talks also covered Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform and financing options for the aviation sector, including export credit arrangements, aircraft leasing models, and long-term financing solutions for domestic airlines.
The President further discussed the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to improve financing access for local operators and strengthen the country’s aviation value chain.
Cloutet commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and ongoing efforts to stabilise the aviation sector.
He also proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria, covering commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, maintenance infrastructure, satellite collaboration and operational hubs.
