President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the immediate delivery of attack helicopters ordered by Nigeria, while also backing Airbus’ plan to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in the country.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with Airbus executives at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where discussions focused on defence cooperation, aviation development, and long-term aerospace investments in Nigeria.

Tinubu said Nigeria urgently requires modern military aircraft to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorism and insecurity in different parts of the country.

He specifically requested the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by the Federal Government, stressing that the aircraft are critical to current security operations.

The meeting also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and Airbus in commercial aviation, military aircraft development, maintenance infrastructure, and aviation financing.

President Tinubu expressed support for the establishment of maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, describing the move as important to the country’s ambition of becoming a regional aviation hub.

Both sides also discussed aircraft leasing arrangements, long-term financing options for airlines, and the possible creation of an aviation leasing company to improve access to aircraft for domestic operators.

Airbus executive Thierry Cloutet commended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and ongoing efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aerospace and aviation development plans through what he described as a broad “360-degree engagement” covering commercial aviation, military cooperation, human capital development, sustainability, satellite technology, and maintenance operations.