The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that Nigeria’s first locally manufactured helicopter is nearing completion and will soon undergo its maiden test flight.
Speaking at a Focus Group Engagement in Kaduna, Engr. Kareem Aduagba, Project Manager at NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute, confirmed that the indigenous aircraft, soon to be officially named the “Nigerian Chopper,” is in its final stages of development.
Advancing Local Aviation Technology
The engagement session, organized by NASENI, brought together inventors, manufacturers, government officials, industry leaders, and academics to discuss policies that will drive Nigeria’s industrial and technological progress.
Aduagba explained that while some aircraft components were acquired in Semi Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD) forms from developed countries, Nigerian engineers are leading the assembly and modification process.
“Very soon, we will conduct the first test flight of the Made-in-Nigeria helicopter as we approach the final stages of development,” he said.
Commitment to Innovation and Industrial Growth
Engr. Abdulfatai Ambali, Head of the Manufacturing Services Department at NASENI’s Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute, emphasized the agency’s commitment to commercialization and innovation under its current leadership.
“Our goal is to develop homegrown technology that reduces Nigeria’s reliance on foreign products. Many of our innovations are already being deployed across various sectors,” Ambali stated.
Call for Support for Local Industries
Facilitator of the program, Saleh Kwaru, urged Nigerians to support local industries, stressing that national development depends on patronizing homegrown products.
Similarly, Yusuf Suleman, Acting Zonal Coordinator for the North West Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), highlighted the importance of innovation and modern technology in boosting the acceptance of Nigerian-made products.
With the impending test flight of the Nigerian Chopper, NASENI’s project marks a significant step toward Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in aviation technology and industrial advancement.
