The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has revealed that Nigeria’s first locally built helicopter is almost ready for its maiden flight.
Speaking at a Focus Group Engagement in Kaduna, Engr. Kareem Aduagba, Project Manager at NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute, confirmed significant progress on the project, which will officially be named the “Nigerian Chopper.”
The event, organized by NASENI, brought together inventors, manufacturers, government officials, industry experts, and academics to discuss policies aimed at boosting local innovation and industrial growth.
“What we are doing now is not reinventing the wheel. One of our key projects, the Made-in-Nigeria helicopter, started from scratch, alongside some Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),” Aduagba stated.
He further explained that the agency had acquired some aircraft components from developed countries in Semi Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD) forms, which are being assembled and modified using scientific and engineering expertise.
“Very soon, we will conduct the first test flight of the Made-in-Nigeria helicopter as we approach the final stages of development,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Abdulfatai Ambali, Head of the Manufacturing Services Department at NASENI’s Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute, Kano, highlighted the agency’s commitment to commercialization, collaboration, and innovation.
“Many Nigerians are unaware of NASENI’s contributions, but under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleman Halilu, we are prioritizing awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community impact,” Ambali said.
He emphasized that NASENI aims to develop homegrown technology to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign products, with many of its innovations already in use across different sectors.
The program facilitator, Saleh Kwaru, urged Nigerians to support local industries, stressing that national development depends on patronizing homegrown products.
“We must look inward and leverage our resources. Constant reliance on foreign products weakens our economy,” he noted.
Similarly, Yusuf Suleman, Acting Zonal Coordinator for the North West Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), praised the event for addressing challenges affecting locally made products, such as quality and finishing.
“Innovation and modern technology are key to improving the acceptance of Nigerian products. This kind of engagement will help solve production challenges and create more job opportunities,” Suleman stated.
He added that SMEDAN and NASENI share common goals, including technological advancement, marketing, and job creation, to drive sustainable industrial growth in Nigeria.
