Tinubu Backs Airbus Plan, Seeks Faster Helicopters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by Airbus to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, while urging the company to expedite the delivery of attack helicopters to strengthen the country’s security operations.

Tinubu made the call during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

The President said Nigeria urgently requires modern military aircraft, particularly attack helicopters, to combat terrorism and address persistent security challenges across parts of the country. He specifically pressed for the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria.

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

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Beyond security, the President described Airbus’ proposal to build maintenance and hangar facilities as a strategic move to position Nigeria as a regional hub for aviation and aerospace services. He noted that such infrastructure would not only support local airlines but also reduce dependence on foreign maintenance services.

Discussions at the meeting also covered Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform, broader defence aviation partnerships, and innovative financing options for the aviation sector. These include export credit arrangements, sale-and-lease-back structures, and long-term financing models aimed at easing aircraft acquisition challenges for domestic operators.

Tinubu further explored the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company to unlock value across Nigeria’s aviation value chain and improve access to funding for airlines.

In response, Cloutet commended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise the aviation sector. He reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s long-term aerospace ambitions.

He proposed a “360-degree engagement” model that would encompass commercial aviation, military cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, operational hubs, and maintenance infrastructure. The plan also includes potential collaboration in satellite technology and Earth observation systems.

The meeting underscores Nigeria’s push to deepen partnerships with global aerospace leaders as it seeks to modernise its aviation industry and strengthen national security capabilities.