Security: Tinubu hails Airbus for proposed facilities hanger, urges speedy delivery of attack helicopters

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomes world aircraft-maker Airbus’ proposal to establish maintenance and facilities hangar in Nigeria, emphasising the country’s urgent need for modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft capable of supporting security operations, logistics, and national development priorities

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has welcomed world aircraft-maker Airbus’ proposal to establish maintenance and facilities hangar in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports the global aviation company’s recent proposal is said to be part of a broader effort at position the West African country as a regional aerospace and aviation services hub.

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Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s urgent need for modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft capable of supporting security operations, logistics, and national development priorities, in furtherance of his administration’s efforts at ending the seemingly intractable security challenges in some parts of the country.

The Nigerian leader stated this Thursday, May 14, 2026, during a meeting with a delegation from Airbus.

Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth Africa and the Middle East, led the company’s delegation to the meeting on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, in Kigali, Rwanda.

Tinubu told the delegation that his administration is determined to strengthen the cordial relationship between both parties, leveraging the aviation firm’s comparative advantage in military aircraft and aerospace development.

Nigeria orders 3 Apache helicopters, affirms Tinubu

The President urged Airbus for an accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters, which Nigeria had already ordered, to support ongoing security and counterterrorism operations.

This, President Tinubu noted, underscored his administration’s determination to deploy all assets against terrorists across the country.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who revealed this in a statement Saturday, May 16, 2026, noted President Tinubu also said: “Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now.”

It is noted Nigeria has acquired the Airbus C-295 platform, broader defence aviation cooperation, as well as aircraft leasing and financing models, including export credit arrangements, sale-and-lease-back structures, and long-term aircraft financing solutions.

The Federal Government as well discussed and affirmed these are aimed at improving airlines’ access to aircraft while reducing sector financing constraints.

Establishment of aviation leasing company in Nigeria

In furtherance of strengthening the existing relationship between Nigeria and the global aviation company, Onanuga said President Tinubu discussed with the Airbus delegation the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company to unlock value along Nigeria’s aviation value chain, and improve financing access for domestic operators.

Speaking at the meeting also, Cloutet commended President Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, and the efforts at stabilising Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The leader of the Airbus delegation also reaffirmed the company’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s long-term aerospace development objectives.

In support of the administration’s policy to modernise the country’s Aviation sector, Cloutet proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria.

The engagement model, Cloutet stated, would cover commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, operational hubs and maintenance infrastructure.

It will also include collaboration on satellite and Earth observation, they statement added.

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