RismadarVoice Reporters, May 16, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by global aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria as part of efforts to position the country as a regional aviation hub.
The President made this known during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by the company’s Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, Thierry Cloutet, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
President Tinubu also stressed the urgent need for modern military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to strengthen Nigeria’s security operations and tackle terrorism across the country.
He specifically called for the speedy delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria, saying the fight against insecurity remains a top priority of his administration.
“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President stated.
Discussions at the meeting also focused on defence aviation cooperation, aircraft leasing arrangements and financing options aimed at improving access to aircraft for Nigerian operators.
President Tinubu further explored the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to strengthen the aviation value chain and improve financing opportunities within the sector.
In response, Airbus commended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise the aviation industry.
Thierry Cloutet reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s long-term aerospace development plans through broader cooperation covering commercial aviation, military aircraft support, maintenance infrastructure, training and satellite technology.
The Airbus executive also proposed a “360-degree engagement” partnership with Nigeria aimed at deepening aviation and aerospace collaboration.
