The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that engineering work on Nigeria’s first indigenous helicopter is nearing completion, with plans underway for its maiden test flight.
The Project Manager at NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute in Kaduna, Kareem Aduagba, disclosed this on Tuesday during a Focus Group Engagement organised by the agency to promote local manufacturing and innovation.
The event, attended by stakeholders from academia, government, and the private sector, focused on advancing Nigeria’s industrial and technological capabilities.
Aduagba emphasised the progress made on the project, stating, “Very soon, we are going to do the first test. Everything is nearing completion now. Very soon, we will fly the first made-in-Nigeria helicopter.”
He explained that the agency was using a combination of new designs and imported components to develop the aircraft.
“What we are doing now is not to reinvent the wheel. We had one of our projects being started from the first principle, which we are working on – the made-in-Nigeria helicopter and some Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),” he said. “We have some, which we bought over from developed countries … in Semi Knock Downs (SKDs) and some Complete Knock Downs (CKDs). So, we are now making use of science and engineering knowledge to work on the SKDs and the CKDs.”
The project is part of NASENI’s broader efforts to position Nigeria as a key player in aeronautics and advanced engineering, reducing dependence on imported technologies.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of the Manufacturing Services Department at NASENI’s Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute in Kano, Abdulfatai Ambali, highlighted the agency’s renewed focus on commercialisation and collaboration under its current leadership.
“Many Nigerians are not aware of NASENI and its activities. However, with the current leadership under the Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleman Halilu, the agency is prioritising awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community impact,” he said.
Ambali noted that NASENI had already introduced several innovative solutions across different sectors and remained committed to developing homegrown technology to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
The facilitator of the event, Saleh Kwaru, urged Nigerians to support locally made products, stressing that national development depended on reducing reliance on imports.
“We must look inward and leverage our resources. Constantly relying on foreign products weakens our economy,” he stated.
The focus group engagement also provided a platform for discussions on challenges facing local manufacturers, particularly in product quality and finishing.
Industry experts at the event agreed that increased investment in research, development, and modern technology would be crucial in ensuring the acceptance of Nigerian-made products both locally and internationally.
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