The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that engineering work on Nigeria’s first locally-made helicopter is nearing completion, with plans for its maiden test flight set to take place soon.
The Project Manager of NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute in Kaduna, Kareem Aduagba, disclosed this during a Focus Group Engagement held on Tuesday.
The event, attended by inventors, manufacturers, and key industry stakeholders, aimed to promote local manufacturing and innovation.
Aduagba explained that the agency was leveraging scientific and engineering expertise to develop the helicopter alongside Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
He noted that while some components were sourced internationally in Semi Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD) forms, the agency was working to integrate them into a fully functional indigenous aircraft.
“Very soon, we are going to conduct the first test flight. Everything is nearing completion now,” he assured.
Speaking at the event, the Head of the Manufacturing Services Department at NASENI’s Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute, Kano, Abdulfatai Ambali, stressed the agency’s renewed focus on commercialisation and collaboration under its current leadership.
He highlighted NASENI’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported technology, adding that the agency was actively deploying homegrown solutions across various sectors.
“Many Nigerians are not aware of NASENI and its activities. However, under the leadership of Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Suleman Halilu, the agency is prioritising awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community impact,” he said.
The facilitator of the programme, Saleh Kwaru, urged Nigerians to support locally made products, warning that over-reliance on foreign imports weakens the economy.
“We must look inward and leverage our resources,” Kwaru stated.
Similarly, the Acting Zonal Coordinator for the North West Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Yusuf Suleman, commended NASENI for fostering innovation and addressing the challenges affecting locally manufactured goods.
“Innovation and modern technology are key to improving the acceptance of Nigerian products. This kind of engagement will help tackle production challenges and create more job opportunities,” he added.
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