The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on indigenous technological advancement, particularly in aerospace, defense and engineering infrastructure.
The renewal ceremony took place on July 25, 2025, at NASENI headquarters in the Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar led a high-powered delegation of senior NAF officers to the agency, where they were received by the executive vice-chairman of NASENI, Khalil Halilu and his management team.
In his remarks, Abubakar commended NASENI for its transformative strides under Halilu’s leadership, citing achievements in reverse engineering, component manufacturing and consistent technical support to the Air Force. He highlighted the agency’s contribution to the C5 Rocket Project, particularly in producing rocket bodies and structural components, as well as conducting precision materials analysis.
He also praised the establishment of the NASENI Northwest Technology Innovation Hub, sited within the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna – a project he described as groundbreaking and made possible by NAF’s land support. Given the Air Force’s hosting and technical contributions to the hub, Abubakar requested increased involvement in its governance and execution. He also proposed that NASENI formally co-own the C5 Rocket Project and continue spearheading rocket body production with a focus on cost-efficiency.
Furthering collaboration, the air marshal invited NASENI to enroll its young engineers in new research and development training modules at NAF’s R&D Institute. He also urged capacity-building partnerships in computer numerical control (CNC) machining for Air Force technical personnel through NASENI’s centre of excellence.
In response, Halilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its “smooth and highly productive” relationship with NAF, emphasising a shared legacy of innovation, including successful joint reverse-engineering projects and innovation hubs.
He showcased NASENI’s ongoing work in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programmes and its advanced CNC machining capabilities, extending an invitation to the Air Force to make full use of these facilities.
He further stressed NASENI’s emphasis on public-private collaboration models to ensure cost-effective innovation while prioritising access to public sector stakeholders like the Air Force.
Speaking on the renewed MoU, Halilu said the updated framework is more structured, results-oriented and aligned with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu. The agreement prioritises joint research, local manufacturing of aerospace and defense components, human capital development and knowledge exchange.
“This partnership goes beyond paperwork,” he said. “It’s about building the future of Nigeria’s defense and innovation ecosystem – together.”
A statement by NASENI’s director of information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan said the formal signing marks a new phase in the strategic partnership, paving the way for joint action on the C5 Rocket Project, CNC machining and other innovation-led defense initiatives.
