President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by global aircraft manufacturer Airbus to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria as part of efforts to position the country as a regional aviation hub.

Tinubu also stressed Nigeria’s urgent need for modern military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support security operations and tackle terrorism across the country.

Tinubu Meets Airbus Delegation In Rwanda

The President spoke 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, Rwanda.

According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his administration was committed to deepening relations with Airbus, particularly in military aviation and aerospace development.

President Demands Faster Delivery Of Apache Helicopters

During the meeting, Tinubu called for the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria for ongoing counterterrorism operations.

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

The discussion also covered Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform and broader defence aviation cooperation between both parties.

Plans For Aviation Financing, Leasing Company

Tinubu and the Airbus delegation also discussed aircraft leasing and financing models aimed at improving access to aircraft for domestic airlines and reducing financing challenges within the aviation sector.

The President raised the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation value chain and improve financing access for local operators.

Airbus Proposes ‘360-Degree Engagement’

Thierry Cloutet commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He also proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria covering commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, sustainability initiatives, maintenance infrastructure, operational hubs and human capital development.

The proposed partnership is also expected to include collaboration in satellite and Earth observation technology.